DWTS: Robert Irwin Breaks Down in Tears Honoring Mom and Dad

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Robert Irwin didn’t leave one dry eye on Dancing with the Stars.

Wildlife expert Robert Irwin honored his mother, Terri Irwin, and his late father, Steve Irwin, on October 14th during a special night on “Dancing with the Stars.” He and his dance partner, Witney Carson, performed a contemporary dance to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart,” and Terri Irwin made a surprise appearance during the routine.

Robert spoke about his mother with deep admiration, saying she’s a hero to him. He explained that losing his father when he was just two years old meant she had to raise him and his siblings while also honoring the life and work she and his father had created together. As he grew older, he truly understood how challenging that must have been for her.

Fighting back tears, the 21-year-old said he couldn’t find the words to express how thankful he was.

Every time I really needed my dad, my mom stepped up and was there for me, and that’s all I needed.

Robert shared that losing his father in 2006—he died from a stingray injury—was very difficult. However, he found comfort and strength in his mother, who he described as incredibly inspiring.

Terri, 61, shared with her son during practice that it was actually her children, Robert and Bindi Irwin, 27, who supported her recovery.

Losing Steve was incredibly hard, and it took a long time to feel happy again, as Terri remembers. So when he told her she’d helped him through it, she was surprised, because it was actually her children who gave *her* the strength to face each day. She says she’s a very proud mother every single day.

Robert shared that he’ll always treasure this special time with his mother, and he believes his father would be very proud.

Robert and Witney’s performance was incredibly moving, bringing many to tears. Judge Bruno Tonioli was particularly touched, saying it was as if Steve was watching and smiling.

He continued, “All I can say this was the true expression of everlasting love.”

Derek Hough, who partnered with Bindi and helped her win *Dancing with the Stars* in 2015, had a difficult time expressing himself as he became emotional.

Derek expressed his deep affection for the Irwin family, saying, “I just have so much love for you guys.” He also shared how incredibly proud he was of the individual, adding, “You’ve become an amazing man, and the world needs the Irwin family.”

Robert and Witney’s emotional dance was also a high point of the night, earning them scores of nine from judges Bruno, Derek, and Kym Johnson, and an eight from Carrie Ann Inaba.

Robert dedicated his dance to his mother, saying it was also for all mothers who aren’t appreciated enough.

He went on to say this message was for single parents working tirelessly each day, and for anyone feeling lost or struggling – he encouraged them to keep moving forward. He also urged people, if they could, to call their mothers and tell them they love them.

For a deep dive into Robert and the entire Irwin family, keep reading. 

For Steve Irwin, being the Crocodile Hunter wasn’t just a job—it was a calling he was born into. He grew up helping his parents, Bob and Lyn Irwin, with wildlife expeditions and at their reptile park in Queensland, Australia. He even worked with the government to capture and move crocodiles, ensuring public safety and helping conservation efforts.

In 1991, Steve took over the family park, and a year later, he met his future wife, Terri Irwin, who was visiting from Oregon. They married in 1992 and began filming the popular documentary series, *The Crocodile Hunter*. Together, they expanded the park into the Australia Zoo and raised their two children, Bindi and Robert, instilling in them a love for wildlife and conservation.

Tragically, Steve died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44, after being pierced in the heart by a stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef. Despite his untimely death, his passion for wildlife and his family continue to inspire. He once shared that his proudest achievement was his children.

Oh my gosh, Terri Irwin is just amazing! Even before she met Steve, she was completely dedicated to animals, working with vets and helping wildlife. She always said it was *fate* that brought them together – she told Oprah that Steve just had this incredible ability to take chances, and when he asked her to marry him and move to Australia to wrangle crocodiles with him, she knew she had to say yes! He was just… everything! It was a huge leap of faith, but she couldn’t resist this wonderful, incredible man. It breaks my heart that Steve is gone, but Terri is still a powerhouse! She runs Australia Zoo, leads Wildlife Warriors, and is constantly working to protect animals. She even wrote a book, *My Steve*, and became an Australian citizen. And seeing her with the kids on *Crikey! It’s the Irwins*? So heartwarming! She recently told *Us Weekly* that her life is full and rich, and even though she wishes Steve was still here with her, she feels so incredibly lucky. I just adore her dedication and how she keeps Steve’s legacy alive!

Bindi Irwin, born in July 1998, has been a familiar face to audiences since she was a child. She first appeared on TV alongside her father in *The Crocodile Hunter* and later starred in shows like *Bindi: The Jungle Girl* and *Crikey! It’s the Irwins*. In 2015, she won season 21 of *Dancing With the Stars*.

Following in her parents’ footsteps, Bindi is dedicated to wildlife conservation. She’s also a published author, writing the children’s book *You Are a Wildlife Warrior!: Saving Animals & the Planet*, and openly shares her experiences as an advocate for those with endometriosis.

Bindi and her husband, Chandler Powell, married in 2020 and welcomed their daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, in 2021. Many remember Bindi’s moving speech at her father’s funeral, and she continues to honor his legacy.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, she wrote, “To the world, you will forever be remembered as the greatest Wildlife Warrior. To me, you’ll always be the most incredible dad and now our family’s guiding light. I love you and I miss you every day.”

Born five years after his sister Bindi, Robert Irwin arrived in December 2003 and quickly followed in his family’s footsteps, using television to educate people about the natural world. He’s appeared on shows like *Wild But True* and *Crikey! It’s the Irwins*, and has also hosted *I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!*. Beyond television, Robert has worked as a model and is currently a contestant on *Dancing With the Stars*. He’s also a skilled wildlife photographer and works behind the camera.

Robert remains heavily involved with the Australia Zoo, continuing the conservation work his father, Steve Irwin, was so passionate about. In a 2024 interview with BBC Radio 2, Robert shared, “He is my superhero. He always will be.” He explained that his father was a hero to an entire generation, and it’s an honor to carry on his legacy, ensuring his life’s work continues.

Bindi Irwin’s love story mirrors her parents’. Just as Steve and Terri met when Terri visited the Australia Zoo as a tourist, Bindi met her husband, Chandler Powell, at the same location.

It happened in 2013 when Chandler, a professional wakeboarder at the time, was in Australia for a competition. He took a tour of the zoo led by Bindi, and they instantly connected. As Chandler shared in a 2024 podcast interview, they “hit it off right away” and felt an immediate connection.

Being teenagers, Chandler respectfully asked Bindi’s mother for permission to pursue a relationship. Bindi later revealed to Entertainment Tonight in 2016 that Chandler had written a letter asking if they could stay in touch after their first meeting.

Years later, in 2020, the couple got married at the Australia Zoo, completing the circle. Bindi described marrying her best friend as “10/10 would recommend” in an Instagram post in May 2025.

Grace was born in March 2021 and, like her parents, quickly developed a passion for animals. However, her mother, Bindi, is waiting before letting her get near the crocodiles.

Bindi Irwin says her daughter, Grace, won’t be helping with the crocodiles anytime soon. “When she’s 18 and *wants* to help, that’s wonderful,” Bindi told TODAY.com in February 2025, “but not right now.” She explained that she carefully considers Grace’s readiness before any animal encounters, focusing on animals Grace is comfortable with like koalas, tortoises, giraffes, and red pandas.

Grace is also learning about her grandfather, Steve Irwin.

Bindi told *Us Weekly* in May 2024 that she wants Grace to know her “Grandpa Crocodile” and loves watching her enjoy documentaries about him.

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2025-10-15 04:48