Updated: February 26, 2026
Robert Cosby Jr., the late son of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, captured public attention through his appearances on the Bravo show. Fans often searched for details about his personal life, especially his relationships. While he was never publicly linked to a long-term girlfriend after a certain point, his most notable romantic chapter involved a secret elopement that surprised everyone—including his family.
Here’s a closer look at what we know about Robert Cosby Jr.’s girlfriend-turned-wife, the ups and downs of that relationship, and why it became a talking point among RHOSLC viewers.
Table of Contents
Who Was Robert Cosby Jr.?
Robert Cosby Jr. was the only son of Mary Cosby and appeared multiple times on RHOSLC. He opened up about personal struggles, including substance abuse, in emotional scenes with his mom. Born into a high-profile family, he navigated young adulthood under the spotlight, sharing milestones like his first girlfriend and later life events on camera.
Tragically, Robert passed away at age 23 on February 23, 2026, following challenges with addiction, as confirmed by authorities and family statements. His story highlighted real-life issues beyond reality TV drama.
The Secret Girlfriend Who Became His Wife
Robert’s most discussed relationship started as a private romance. In August 2022, he secretly married his girlfriend, Alexiana Arian Smokoff (often referred to as Alexiana Cosby after marriage), in a low-key Utah courthouse ceremony.
- The couple eloped without initially telling his parents.
- Mary Cosby later addressed the surprise on the show, noting rumors that his “girlfriend” was actually his wife.
- They lived together in Mary’s Utah home for a time.
This courthouse wedding marked a big step for the then-teen/young adult, shifting from casual dating to marriage.
Key Timeline of the Relationship
To make it easier to follow, here’s a quick table summarizing the major events in Robert Cosby Jr.’s relationship with Alexiana:
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Started Dating | Pre-2022 | Private romance; details limited |
| Secret Marriage | August 18, 2022 | Eloped in Utah courthouse; kept hidden from family for nearly a year |
| Public Reveal on RHOSLC | 2023–2024 seasons | Mary discussed confusion over “girlfriend vs. wife” |
| Divorce Filing | November 24, 2025 | Alexiana filed amid Robert’s legal issues and protective order violation |
| Divorce Finalized | January/February 2026 | Settled after short proceedings; no children involved |
| Robert’s Passing | February 23, 2026 | Relationship chapter closed with his untimely death |
This timeline shows how quickly things evolved from a hidden romance to a publicized split.
Challenges and the Road to Divorce
The marriage faced significant hurdles. Reports highlighted tensions tied to Robert’s struggles with substance abuse and legal troubles.
- In 2024–2025, incidents reportedly involved domestic altercations, including one where Alexiana allegedly flushed drugs, leading to later charges.
- Robert faced arrests, including a November 2025 violation of a protective order against Alexiana’s family.
- Alexiana filed for divorce just days after one arrest, citing irreconcilable differences after about three years together.
The couple had no children, which simplified the process. The divorce was finalized shortly before Robert’s passing. Friends and observers hoped both could move forward—Alexiana toward healing, and Robert toward recovery—but circumstances took a heartbreaking turn.
Conclusion: A Chapter of Love, Struggles, and Loss
Robert Cosby Jr.’s relationship with Alexiana Smokoff began as a sweet, secretive romance between a young couple in love. What started as “girlfriend” vibes quickly became a marriage, but real-life challenges—addiction, legal issues, and family dynamics—put immense strain on it. The divorce marked the end of that chapter, and Robert’s death at just 23 added profound sadness to the story.
It’s a reminder that behind reality TV moments are real people facing tough battles. Our thoughts remain with Mary Cosby, the family, and anyone touched by this loss. Relationships can be beautiful yet fragile, especially under public eyes.