Terri Irwin is celebrating her son Robert Irwin’s emotional journey on “Dancing With the Stars.”
Following Robert’s reveal that he’ll dedicate his Week 5 “Dedication Night” dance to his mom, the wildlife conservationist took to Instagram to honor her son and reflect on their close bond.
Terri Irwin Shares Heartfelt Tribute Ahead of Robert’s ‘DWTS’ Dedication
The post featured a carousel of never-before-seen Irwin family photos, including childhood images of Robert and his older sister, Bindi Irwin, alongside their late father, Australian wildlife icon Steve Irwin.
“It’s dedication night, week five @dancingwiththestars. I’m incredibly honoured that Robert thought of me,” Terri wrote. “Steve and I always talked about how much it meant to us to be parents. So much love. This will be a special night.💕”
The photos captured Robert through the years — from baby pictures to teenage snapshots — with several highlighting his lifelong connection with animals. In one image, a baby Robert lay on the floor wrapped in a large snake. In another, he and Bindi held iguanas, while a third showed toddler Robert wearing a camouflage hat beside a kangaroo.
The tribute also included heartwarming throwbacks of Steve Irwin, who died in 2006 after a stingray accident while filming in the Great Barrier Reef. One particularly touching image showed a young Robert watching in awe as his father handled a reptile.
Fans flooded Terri’s post with support and admiration. One follower commented, “World’s best mum 💚 no one else could have done what you did, and are still doing. Truly an inspiration for women all around.” Another wrote, “You raised some incredible children. You deserve this!” The official “Dancing With the Stars” account also chimed in, adding, “We can’t wait for you to shine with Robert on Tuesday! ❤️”
Robert Irwin Dedicates ‘DWTS’ Dance to Mom & Late Father
The 21-year-old wildlife photographer and conservationist, who was just 3 years old when his father passed, will perform with professional partner Witney Carson during “Dedication Night.” The special episode invites contestants to honor influential people in their lives.
“It has been an emotional week in rehearsals. I’ve been thinking a lot about my mum and her strength,” Robert wrote on Instagram. “I’ve been reminiscing on the times we’ve spent as a family and how she has kept my dad part of my life.”
He added, “This dance is for my mum, it’s for anyone who’s lost someone… and it’s for all the strong mothers of the world who deserve our recognition and appreciation ❤️.”
According to ABC’s press release, Robert and Carson will perform a contemporary to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart” — a fitting choice given its deep emotional ties to family and loss.
The upcoming performance marks another full-circle moment for the Irwin family. Bindi Irwin, now 27, won Season 21 of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2015 alongside professional partner Derek Hough — a milestone that captivated fans around the world.
With Robert now taking the ballroom stage, this next tribute promises to be equally emotional — a heartfelt reminder of family, legacy, and love.
You truly are an inspiration to all mums! I am going through a hard time now your story helps me carry on thank you so much to all of you
Yal are such an amazing family I have always had so much respect for that u have done and continue to do !! Steve was so special and loving when it came to his family and animals ! He is so missed but I am sure so proud that yal are living out his legacy !! Thanku and love and prayers always !!♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏
May GOD bless the whole Irwin ess the Irwin Family.
We Love the Irwin Family here in Philadelphia we been watching you ever since my kids were 3 and their now 33 and 30 yrs old.Thank You for all u do for animals and creatures of the world 🌎🌍💜❤️