Robert Irwin is sharing an emotional message after his deeply moving Week 5 performance on “Dancing With the Stars.” The 21-year-old conservationist dedicated his “Dedication Night” routine to his mother, Terri Irwin, leaving fans and judges in tears as he honored her strength and love nearly two decades after the death of his father, Steve Irwin.
In a heartfelt Instagram post after the show, Robert described the performance as a story of “love, loss, grief and gratitude,” saying it was his way of thanking his mother for everything she has done for him and his sister Bindi. The touching tribute has since sparked an outpouring of emotional reactions from viewers around the world.
‘I’ll Remember This Night Forever’: Robert Irwin’s Powerful Tribute to His Mom
“I will remember this night forever,” Robert wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Terri Irwin responded to her son’s emotional message with pride, calling the night “one I will always remember” and praising Robert as “a beautiful dancer and wonderful son.” His sister Bindi simply wrote, “Love you so much.”
During “Dedication Night,” Robert and his pro partner Witney Carson performed a stunning contemporary dance to “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s *Tarzan*. As the performance ended, Terri joined Robert on stage for a tearful embrace, followed by Bindi rushing from the audience to hug them both. The moment left the studio audience and viewers at home visibly moved.
Judge Derek Hough, who previously danced with Bindi on the show, 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.”
Honoring Terri Irwin’s Strength After Steve Irwin’s Death
Speaking to People, Robert revealed that his mother’s resilience is the reason he never felt deprived growing up without his father. Steve Irwin died in 2006 at age 44 after being pierced by a stingray while filming in Australia, according to BBC News. Robert was just two years old at the time.
“A credit to my mum — I never felt as though I ever missed out on anything in life,” Robert said. “Obviously, I was missing a very big part of my life, but she made sure I never felt I missed out. I got to have such an incredible childhood.”
Nearly 20 years later, Robert said he now truly understands the strength it took for Terri to raise him and Bindi while carrying on Steve’s legacy. “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.”
Fans Share Emotional Reactions to Robert Irwin’s Tribute
Viewers flooded social media with messages of love and support for Robert and the Irwin family. One fan wrote, “What a beautiful dedication to your wonderful mum! 🥰🥹” Another shared, “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.”
Others reflected on Steve Irwin’s legacy and how the dance resonated deeply with those who followed the family over the years. “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,” a fan wrote.
One viewer shared how meaningful the moment was to experience with their child: “I got to watch with my little boy, who loves watching *Crikey! It’s the Irwins* and *Crocodile Hunter* reruns as much as I do! It was 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 Irwin’s deeply personal ‘DWTS’ performance reminded the world of the Irwin family’s enduring bond and legacy. It was more than just a dance — it was a message of love, resilience, and gratitude that fans will remember for years to come.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: What did Robert Irwin say after his ‘DWTS’ tribute?
Robert shared that the dance was about love, loss, grief, and gratitude. He thanked his mother and all strong mothers and said he felt his dad’s presence.
Q2: How did Terri and Bindi Irwin react to the performance?
Terri called it a night she will always remember and praised Robert’s performance. Bindi responded with a heartfelt “Love you so much.”
Q3: What song did Robert Irwin dance to during Dedication Night?
Robert and Witney Carson performed a contemporary routine to “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s *Tarzan*.
Q4: How did fans react to Robert’s tribute?
Fans shared emotional messages online, saying they were deeply moved and brought to tears by the heartfelt performance.
Q5: What happened to Steve Irwin?
Steve Irwin died in 2006 at age 44 after being pierced by a stingray while filming in Australia, according to BBC News.
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