Robert Irwin is opening up after his emotional Week 5 performance on “Dancing With the Stars.”
In a heartfelt Instagram message, the 21-year-old conservationist reflected on the meaning behind his powerful tribute to his mother, Terri Irwin.
“I will remember this night forever,” Irwin wrote. “This dance was a story of love, loss, grief and gratitude. It is a thank you message to my mum, it was to pay tribute to all the strong mothers of the world, and the single parents. I know my dad was with us, and can only imagine how proud he would be of my mum. This dance is for all of us, thank you for your support ❤️.”
His mom and sister repsonded to the post with love. Irwin’s mom, Terri, wrote: “A night I will always remember. You are such a beautiful dancer, and wonderful son. 💕”
His sister reacted to the post and wrote: “Love you so much.”
Fans Are In Tears After Irwin’s Dedication to His Beloved Family
A comment read: “What a beautiful dedication to your wonderful mum! 🥰🥹”
Another sweet comment read: “This was beyond beautiful. As a mom, as someone who grew up watching your Mom & Dad on Croc Files… just so unbelievably touching and beautiful. 😭 I definitely cried when your mom appeared. That transition was so beautiful & meaningful.”
Another one chimed in and wrote: “The entire world will remember this dance forever!! I remember vividly when your dad passed and the impact it had… this was healing to everyone. Beautifully done. 😭”
Another one wrote: “I got to watch with my little boy, who loves watching “Crickey! It’s the Irwins” and “Crocodile Hunter” reruns as much as I do! It was so, so special to share with him. Thank you for honoring your mom who grieves the love of her life and still gives it all to be the best for you and Bindi. Robert, you and Witney really went straight for our hearts with this one. 🥹 @robertirwinphotography @terriirwincrikey @bindisueirwin @witneycarson @dancingwiththestars”
Honoring His Mom’s Strength After His Father’s Death
Irwin told People that his mother is the reason he never felt the weight of growing up without his father, Steve Irwin. Her strength, he said, shaped every part of who he is today.
“I think, growing up, there are certain things as a kid that you don’t realize,” he shared. “A credit to my mum — I never felt as though I ever missed out on anything in life. I always felt, obviously, I was missing a very big part of my life, but she made sure that I never felt I missed out. I got to have such an incredible childhood.”
The Guardian reported that Steve Irwin died in 2006 at age 44 after being pierced by a stingray while filming in Australia. Nearly two decades later, Robert said he truly understands the “strength” Terri found to keep going while raising him and his sister, Bindi, and continuing their family’s legacy.
Reflecting on the years since his father’s passing, Irwin said his mother carried both parental roles while keeping Steve’s presence alive.
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)“At every milestone, when I just wish that my dad was there, she was there, and that was enough,” he said. “I struggle a lot with losing Dad, but she always made sure my dad was present in our lives. I wanted to know how proud my dad would be of her.”
He added, “My mum teaches me every day what it is to put one foot in front of the other, even when it’s so hard to do that. She’s such a kind, vulnerable, and strong human being.”
An Emotional ‘DWTS’ Tribute That Brought Everyone to Tears
During Week 5’s “Dedication Night,” Irwin and his pro partner Witney Carson performed a moving contemporary routine to “You’ll Be in My Heart” from “Tarzan,” dedicated to Terri.
As the song ended, Terri joined her son on the dance floor for an emotional embrace, while Bindi ran from the audience to hug them both.
Disney“For so long, all I’ve wanted to do is just express my gratitude to her,” Irwin said. “To finally be able to do that in a way where I can give 100 percent of myself physically and emotionally in this dance—it’s just everything.”
The powerful performance left both the audience and judges in tears. Derek Hough, who once danced with Bindi on “DWTS,” told Robert, “The love I have for your family… I’m so proud of you. You’ve become such an amazing man, and the world needs the Irwin family.”
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