Robert Irwin has shared a sad family update while in the US for Dancing with the Stars.
The 21-year-old took to Instagram on Sunday to reveal that his beloved dog, Stella, underwent surgery to remove a cancerous mass.
“This is a tough one,” he wrote. “I wanted to give an unfortunate update on my sweet little pup, Stella. A mass was discovered that ended up being cancerous.”
Robert Irwin shared that the full extent of Stella’s cancer is still unknown, but he remains hopeful she will recover.
He described Stella as an “important part of our little fam” and admitted it’s been stressful being away from home while she undergoes treatment. “I know you guys love seeing her, and I love sharing her with you, so I wanted to give an update… she is doing okay post-surgery so far. She’s my little bestie and one tough cookie,” he wrote.
Robert posted a selfie with his beloved pug and another of Stella recovering after surgery. He also shared a TikTok video, acknowledging it has been a “tough week.”
“It’s been a big week. A really tough week. We’ve been working on our dedication dance for my mum, and our little dog back home has cancer, which is just devastating. We’re still waiting to find out if it has spread, and it’s been such a stressful time,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the conservationist has been impressing audiences on the US season of Dancing with the Stars. Fans were thrilled last Tuesday when Robert and his partner Witney, 31, performed a sizzling routine.
After wowing judges with a pulse-raising tango the week before, the duo delivered another hot performance with a salsa, dancing to the viral 2024 TikTok hit Million Dollar Baby by Tommy Richman.
The routine kicked off with Witney perched on Robert’s shoulders before he guided her to the floor and into an embrace.
The pair moved with precision and energy, swaying their hips in sync, while Robert maintained a serious “Blue Steel” expression.
As the performance intensified, Robert turned up the heat by ripping off his shirt, much to the delight of the cheering crowd. He confidently showcased his six-pack, earning continued applause until the routine concluded.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was clearly impressed, exclaiming, “Robert Irwin is all grown up, wow, you’re making me feel like a grandmother. Put your shirt back on. Great performance.”
Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli drew comparisons to Australian fitness icon Chris Hemsworth.
However, not all feedback was positive Derek Hough criticized the routine as “rigid,” saying, “You’re strong, assertive, a great performer but I wasn’t fooled by them abs,” prompting boos from the audience.
Ultimately, Robert and Witney scored 22 overall, placing them third in the competition.