FOR MUM, FOR EVERYTHING WE LOST — On the stage of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) this week, 21-year-old wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin pledged to “pour his heart out” in a performance that honored not only his late father, the iconic Steve Irwin, but especially his mother, Terri Irwin, who refused to let the family legacy fade.
In what judges and viewers alike called one of the most emotional routines of the season, Robert delivered a contemporary dance to You’ll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins, culminating with Terri joining him on the dance floor in a powerful mother-son embrace. ABC News+2NBC4 Washington+2
“Tonight I dance for my mum, the strongest person I know. My mum and dad created a legacy that I’m proud to continue.” – Robert Irwin NBC4 Washington+1
“I was 2 when I lost dad … and as I got older, I started to realise just how hard it would have been for her to be there for us — and all the while, continue Dad’s legacy.” – Robert Irwin The Independent+1
A legacy of love, loss and resilience
When Robert was just two years old, his father Steve Irwin died after a stingray injury in 2006. Terri, then widowed, faced the enormous task of raising Robert and his sister Bindi Irwin while preserving the conservation work Steve had begun. Robert says that she didn’t just cope — she thrived.
“I struggle a lot with losing Dad … and she always made sure my Dad was present in our lives.” NBC4 Washington+1
“This is for all the strong mothers of the world who deserve our recognition and appreciation.” – Robert Irwin, Instagram post ahead of the show NBC4 Washington+1
That message found its full voice on Dedication Night of DWTS (Oct. 14, 2025). With his professional partner Witney Carson, Robert took to the ballroom in a routine that ebbed and flowed with tension, tenderness and triumph. At its culmination, Terri entered the frame, dressed in yellow, and the two twirled into a tender embrace that left the audience in tears. ABC News+1
The dance that moved everyone
Judge Derek Hough, who previously won the show with Bindi, wiped away tears and called the performance “a true expression of everlasting love.” He added:
“Man, I’m so proud of you. I really am; you’ve become such an amazing man, and the world needs the Irwin family.” The Independent
Judge Bruno Tonioli said with emotion:
“You gave us all of your heart and soul … All I can say is this was the true expression of everlasting love.” The Independent+1
Their score of 35 out of 40 placed Robert and Witney in the upper echelon of the competition this week. New York Post+1
On social media, Robert admitted the week of rehearsals had been emotionally intense:
“It’s been a tough week … I’ve been thinking a lot about my mum and her strength, I’ve been reminiscing on the times we’ve spent as a family and how she has kept my Dad part of my life.” NBC4 Washington
For Dad, for Mum — and for everything they lost
Although Robert’s tribute was explicitly to his mother, his father’s presence loomed large throughout the performance. He explained that even though Steve died when he was only two, his mother made sure his legacy remained alive.
“My mum and dad created a legacy that I’m proud to continue … I hope I can use this dance to share what she means to me, to our family, and to say thank you.” – Robert Irwin NBC4 Washington+1
In an era when reality-tv contestants often struggle to balance performance with authenticity, Robert’s dedication struck a chord. He dedicated the dance not only to his mother, but also to “anyone who’s lost someone, who feels lost.” The Independent+1
What’s next?
With the score under his belt and emotional momentum behind him, Robert remains a frontrunner for this season’s Mirrorball Trophy. Reports suggest the producers have already given him a “hero’s edit,” capitalizing on his family’s backstory and positive public image. The Sun
But for the Irwins, this moment isn’t just about winning a trophy. It’s about honoring a legacy, thanking a mother and keeping Steve’s spirit alive.
“This dance is for my mum, it’s for the single parents who work so hard every day to put one foot in front of the other.” – Robert Irwin NBC4 Washington
Robert’s journey is a reminder that even in loss, love and dedication can shine through — and that sometimes the most powerful performances aren’t the most athletic or technical, but the ones that come straight from the heart.
