Updated: February 26, 2026
Mary Cosby, the bold star from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC), has always sparked curiosity with her personal life—especially her marriage to Robert Cosby Sr. But many fans search for details on her ex-husband, wondering about her life before Robert Sr. Here’s the real story, straight from reliable updates as of February 2026.
Table of Contents
Who Was Mary Cosby’s First Husband?
Before her high-profile marriage to Robert Cosby Sr., Mary Cosby (née Jefferson, formerly Harris) was married to a man named Dana Harris. This first marriage was relatively low-key compared to her later life in the spotlight. Mary and Dana tied the knot earlier in her life, but the relationship ended in divorce in September 1998.
Public records and reports show this was a short chapter—Mary has rarely spoken about Dana in detail on the show or in interviews. The split cleared the path for her next marriage just weeks or months later. She has described the transition as part of a bigger family plan orchestrated by her late grandmother, but Dana remains mostly out of the narrative. No major scandals or public drama emerged from this union, unlike the controversies tied to her current marriage.
The Transition: From First Marriage to Robert Cosby Sr.
Mary’s life took a dramatic turn after her grandmother, Dr. Rosemary Redmon Cosby, passed away in January 1997. Rosemary had been married to Robert Cosby Sr. (Mary’s step-grandfather, no blood relation) for years. According to Mary on RHOSLC, her grandmother’s wishes included Mary inheriting the family church, properties, and funds—with the condition of marrying Robert Sr. to keep everything intact.
Just one year after the divorce from Dana Harris, Mary married Robert Cosby Sr. on September 28, 1998, in Chicago. She has called it an “arranged” union, admitting it felt weird at first, but it evolved over time. They welcomed their son, Robert Cosby Jr., in 2005. Sadly, recent news hit hard: Robert Jr. passed away at age 23 in February 2026 after battling addiction, leaving the family grieving.
This shift from ex-husband Dana to Robert Sr. became one of RHOSLC’s most talked-about storylines, fueling debates about family dynamics, faith, and inheritance.
Key Facts About Mary Cosby’s Marriages
Here’s a quick comparison table to break down the essentials:
- First Husband: Dana Harris
- Marriage Period: Before 1998 (exact dates private)
- Divorce Date: September 1998
- Children Together: None publicly known
- Public Profile: Low-key; minimal media mentions
- Current Husband: Robert Cosby Sr.
- Marriage Date: September 28, 1998
- Children Together: Robert Cosby Jr. (2005–2026)
- Relationship Origin: Step-grandfather via grandmother’s marriage; described as “arranged” per grandmother’s wishes
- Status (2026): Still married; over 27 years together
This table highlights how different the two chapters of her romantic life have been—one quiet and short, the other long-lasting and very public.
Why the Interest in Mary Cosby’s Ex-Husband Persists
The fascination with Mary Cosby’s ex-husband Dana Harris mostly stems from the wild contrast with her current marriage. RHOSLC viewers love the drama: a bishop’s widow directing her granddaughter to wed her husband? It sounds like reality TV gold. Mary has been open about the challenges—family rifts, church splits, and public judgment—but she stands by her choices.
Dana Harris stays out of the spotlight, with no recent updates or interviews tying him back to Mary. The focus remains on her life with Robert Sr., their shared faith leadership, and the heartbreaking loss of their son. Mary’s story reminds us how family legacies and personal decisions can collide in unexpected ways.
Conclusion: A Life Full of Twists and Resilience
Mary Cosby’s journey—from a first marriage that ended quietly to a decades-long union that’s anything but ordinary—shows her strength amid scrutiny. While her ex-husband Dana Harris represents a brief, private past, her life with Robert Cosby Sr. has defined her public image, for better or worse.
Through RHOSLC fame, family tragedy, and ongoing faith work, Mary keeps pushing forward. Her story is a reminder that real life rarely fits neat boxes, and resilience often comes from navigating the mess. Sending thoughts to her family during this tough time.