Robert Irwin has found a touching way to keep his late dad, Steve Irwin, close while competing on “Dancing With the Stars.” The Australian conservationist shared the two good luck charms he has every week for the show, including a well-worn clothing item that his father wore.
Robert Irwin Wears a Special Article of Clothing for Good Luck
Irwin has a couple of lucky charms that he brings to the “DWTS” competition every week. On November 17, Irwin took to Instagram to share why a ring and a shirt are so special to him.
“Part 1 — How I take a little piece of home into the ballroom on show day,” Irwin wrote in the caption.
“Every show day on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ I have two good luck charms that I bring with me. And I wanted to share it with you,” he said in the video.
Irwin continued, “These two things are a way to keep me close to home and to what’s most important to me — this ring and this shirt.”
He first explained the significance of the shirt. “This is my dad’s shirt. I was going through his stuff and I found this shirt,” Irwin said. “It’s absolutely tattered and had holes and all sorts in it, missing buttons. So I went and got it all fixed up … new buttons attached, everything all patched back up again and all of the holes repaired.”
Irwin explained why the shirt is so special to him. “I like that it still looks and feels like him. Each one of the tears and the holes and the missing buttons tells another story,” he said. “And this shirt definitely saw a lot. I guess it’s kind of a good example for how Dad lived his life, at 100%.”
“So before you guys see my dance in costume, I’ve always done that dance at least once in Dad’s shirt,” he shared.
Irwin added, “It just keeps me close to home. It keeps me close to him. It just feels like a big hug every time I put it on. Every time I step out into the ballroom, I represent my message, my dad’s legacy, my home, my family. It is such an honor to get to do that.”
The “DWTS” celeb also shared the story behind his ring. It’s made from the melted down keys from his childhood home and engraved with “1638,” the Australia Zoo’s address, located at 1638 Steve Irwin Way.
“I’ve been putting it on every Tuesday morning when I go in for the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ live taping. It’s the most beautiful experience and in some way, I want him part of it, because this experience has truly changed my life,” Irwin explained.
“And I know I wouldn’t be here without him and his legacy that I get to continue,” he added.
DWTS Fans Are Moved by Irwin’s Touching Tribute to His Dad
Irwin’s fans flooded the comments section with messages about how moving his choice of good luck charms is.
His mom wrote, “This is incredibly special and meaningful. Your dad would be chuffed for sure. He loved you so much.”
She also noted, “I love what you did with your dad’s keys. So special.”
“Just beautiful! He’s with you every step of the way in this life,” one fan noted.
Another fan commented, “Loving this👏👕 Steve is with you in spirit always.”
Others shared touching messages, including, “This is so special and sweet,” “This is everything,” and “What a beautiful tribute!”
One fan noted, “It’s too early to cry!”
