Celebrity dating connections always seem to have that “wait, really?” factor; and the love life of Robert Irwin definitely gave us one of those moments. The wildlife conservationist and TV personality, who grew up in the spotlight thanks to the legacy of his dad (Steve Irwin), once dated Rorie Buckey. And yes, she just so happens to be the niece of the late Heath Ledger.
Their romance might not have lasted forever, but it was the kind of sweet, supportive relationship fans love to see play out. And honestly? The way they handled things from start to finish deserves a round of applause.
From Rumors to Red Carpets
According to E! News, Robert and Rorie were first linked in November 2022 after being spotted together on a beach in Queensland. Cue the whispers, the fan theories, and eventually the official Instagram confirmation in August 2023 (per Cosmopolitan).
Getty (Lisa Maree Williams)Before that, they even made their big red carpet debut in July 2023 at the Australian premiere of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” The two posed side by side, looking completely at ease with each other; like it was the most natural thing in the world. Let’s be real, it was one of those “yep, this is legit” moments.
Who Exactly Is Rorie Buckey?
Rorie isn’t just “Heath Ledger’s niece.” She’s carving her own path while also being part of a very recognizable family. She’s studying physiotherapy at Curtin University in Perth, focusing on building a career outside the Hollywood spotlight, per her Facebook. Her mom, Kate Ledger, is Heath’s sister, which makes Rorie his maternal niece.
She also has a twin sister, Scarlett, who’s chosen to stay mostly out of the public eye. Together, the Buckey sisters seem to be balancing a bit of that celebrity-adjacent attention while keeping their lives refreshingly grounded.
Getty (Brendon Thorne for GQ Australia)Going Their Separate Ways
By February 2024, Robert and Rorie decided to part ways after a little over a year together. In a joint statement, per E! News, they wrote: “We wanted to share that we have decided to go our separate ways but profoundly appreciate all of the time spent together and wish one another all the very best into the future.”
No drama. No shade. Just two young people handling things with a level of respect that’s rare in the celebrity world. They also asked for privacy, making it clear that kindness and gratitude were the biggest takeaways from their time together.
It seems Robert Irwin is embracing the single life. He is due to appear on the upcoming season of “Dancing with the Stars” which airs its Season 34 premiere episode tonight (September 16, 2025) at 8:00pm ET on ABC, with streaming on Disney+.
