Robert Irwin leaves both the Dancing With the Stars audience and viewers at home in tears with a deeply emotional performance honoring his mother, Terri Irwin.
Robert Irwin has been making headlines lately not only for his impressive performances on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) but also as the face of Tourism Australia’s latest campaign. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist continues to win hearts across the globe, both on and off the dance floor.
In the October 14 episode of DWTS, Robert and his dance partner Witney Carson delivered a moving routine during the show’s Dedication Night. Dancing to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart,” Robert paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Terri Irwin.
In a pre-recorded interview before the performance, he opened up about his deep appreciation for her, saying, “I’ve never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude I feel for her. At every milestone when I just wish that my dad was there, she was there and that was enough.”
Robert Irwin, who tragically lost his father — the beloved wildlife legend Steve Irwin — in 2006 when he was only two years old, shared how profoundly his mother, Terri Irwin, has shaped his life. “I struggle a lot with losing Dad,” he admitted. “She always made sure my dad was present in our lives. I just wanted to know how proud my dad would be of her.”
During rehearsals, Terri joined Robert and his partner Witney Carson, smiling as she said, “I’m here to cry.” Reflecting on their family’s journey, she added, “After we lost Steve, it was difficult to smile again for quite a while. So for him to say, ‘You lifted me up,’ honestly, it was the opposite. Because of them, I could get up every morning. Every day, I’m a proud mama.”
The emotional performance ended with a beautiful moment as Terri stepped onto the dance floor, gently taking Witney’s place to embrace her son a scene that moved the entire ballroom, and viewers at home, to tears. The touching tribute concluded with a hug from Robert’s sister, Bindi Irwin, who herself won Dancing With the Stars in 2015.
Judge Bruno Tonioli was deeply moved by Robert’s performance, telling him, “Your father is watching you, kid, and he’s smiling. You poured your heart and soul into that dance it was a true expression of everlasting love.”
Carrie Ann Inaba followed with her own heartfelt words, saying, “I’ve never had children, but Terri, if I did, I’d want my son to be like Robert.”
Meanwhile, Derek Hough who once danced alongside Robert’s sister, Bindi, during her winning DWTS season became visibly emotional. “The love I have for your family is beyond words,” he said. “I’m so proud of you, Robert. You’ve grown into such an incredible man, and the world truly needs the Irwin family.”
Robert addressed the judges, audience, and viewers, saying, “This dance is for my mom, and for all the moms out there who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. It’s for single parents working tirelessly every day, and for anyone who has lost someone and feels adrift. Keep going, and if you can, call your mom and tell her you love her.”
He added that the performance was especially emotional for him, as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of his mother’s passing. “It hit me particularly hard because I wish I could call her and tell her how much I love her and how grateful I am to have had her raise me,” he said.