Robert Irwin moved the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ ballroom to tears with a heartfelt routine dedicated to his mother Terri and late father Steve Irwin, showcasing the family’s enduring bond and emotional resilience. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist performed a contemporary dance with partner Witney Carson on Tuesday’s ‘Dedication Night,’ set to Phil Collins’ ‘You’ll Be in My Heart’ from ‘Tarzan,’ which symbolized the Irwin family’s connection and love.
In a pre-recorded video, Robert shared his deep gratitude for Terri, explaining how she has been his rock since he lost his father at age two to a stingray injury in 2006. He struggled to hold back tears as he described Terri’s unwavering support at every milestone, emphasizing that her presence made up for the absence of his dad. Robert stated, ‘This is a moment with my mum that I will cherish forever, and I know my dad would be so proud,’ setting an emotional tone for the performance.
During the dance, Robert and Witney executed a graceful and heartfelt routine that captured the essence of family love and loss. As the dance concluded, Terri Irwin joined her son on stage, and the two shared a tearful embrace that resonated throughout the ballroom. Robert broke down in sobs, while Terri wiped away her own tears, visibly moved by the tribute to her strength and the memory of Steve.
The judges were equally affected, with Derek Hough, who had partnered with Bindi Irwin in her winning season, choking up as he expressed his admiration for the family. Hough said, ‘Man, I’m so proud of you. You’ve become such an amazing man, and the world needs the Irwin family.’ Bruno Tonioli added that Steve Irwin would be smiling down on his son, calling the performance a ‘true expression of everlasting love.’ The routine received high scores of 35 out of 40, with nines from three judges and an eight from Carrie Ann Inaba.
Terri Irwin reflected on her husband’s death in the introductory video, recalling how Steve’s passing at age 44 was a devastating blow that left her struggling to smile. She credited Robert and Bindi with giving her the strength to carry on, saying, ‘Because of them, I could get up every morning.’ This mutual support has been a hallmark of the Irwin family, inspiring fans with their resilience and dedication to wildlife conservation through the Australia Zoo.
Bindi Irwin, Robert’s older sister and a former ‘Dancing With the Stars’ champion, was present in the audience to support her brother, adding to the family’s unified front. Her own journey on the show included a dedication to her late father, making Robert’s performance a poignant continuation of their shared legacy. The Irwin family’s ability to turn personal tragedy into inspiration has endeared them to millions, with Terri often hailed as a symbol of strength for single parents.
Robert’s emergence as a frontrunner on Season 34 of ‘DWTS’ has brought new attention to his charismatic personality, but this emotional dedication night showcased a deeper, more vulnerable side. His message extended beyond his own family, as he dedicated the dance to all single parents and those who have lost loved ones, encouraging them to ‘keep going’ and cherish their mothers. This performance not only highlighted Robert’s growth as a performer but also reinforced the Irwin family’s enduring influence in promoting family values and conservation.
As ‘Dancing With the Stars’ continues, Robert’s journey promises to keep audiences engaged, blending entertainment with heartfelt storytelling. This episode served as a powerful reminder of how dance can convey profound emotions and connect people to stories of love, loss, and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.