Robert Irwin has once again brought the world to tears with a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Terri Irwin, hailing her as a ‘wonder woman’ and the steadfast force behind the Irwin family’s conservation legacy following the tragic death of his father, Steve Irwin. His emotional performance on Dancing with the Stars underscores the profound gratitude and admiration he holds for Terri’s unwavering strength and dedication.
The Irwin family name is synonymous with wildlife conservation and an unwavering passion for the natural world, a legacy famously championed by the late Steve Irwin, the beloved ‘Crocodile Hunter.’ Yet, as his son, Robert Irwin, recently highlighted in an emotional tribute, the true backbone of this enduring mission has been his mother, Terri Irwin. Robert’s heartfelt recognition of Terri’s strength, bravery, and tireless dedication has resonated deeply with fans, shining a spotlight on her pivotal role.
A Tearful Homage on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
During a poignant “Dedication Night” episode of Dancing with the Stars, 21-year-old Robert Irwin moved audiences and judges alike with a contemporary routine set to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart.” The performance was a direct homage to his mother, Terri Irwin, with Robert breaking down in tears as he articulated his profound gratitude.
In his intro package, Robert candidly shared, “She’s an absolute hero to me, because I was two when I lost dad. 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 that her and dad built together.” He struggled to contain his emotions, insisting he’s “never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude I feel for it,” as reported by People.
Terri herself joined Robert in the rehearsal room, reflecting on the challenging period after Steve’s death. She revealed that it was Robert and his older sister, Bindi Irwin, who helped her cope. “After we lost Steve, it was difficult to smile again. For quite a while,” she stated. “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.”
Terri: The ‘Wonder Woman’ Who Could Have Sold the Zoo
This isn’t the first time Robert has publicly lauded his mother’s extraordinary resilience. In an earlier solo interview on ABC’s One Plus One, the conservationist spoke of Terri as his “wonder woman.” He became visibly emotional discussing her choice not to sell Australia Zoo after his father’s sudden passing in September 2006.
“She could have sold the zoo and just raised us. And we could have just squirrelled away and lived a little hidden life,” Robert explained, as noted by ABC News. “She could see this legacy and knew that it could continue to grow and get bigger and better every single year and she did just that.” This decision, he stressed, showcased an incredible level of bravery and commitment to Steve’s treasured work. He further elaborated, “She raised us. She kept the zoo going through some tough times. I get emotional just thinking about it. She’s an absolute wonder woman.”
Robert called her the “force of nature” behind Australia Zoo, a role his father held prior to his death. While Steve was a larger-than-life character, Robert emphasizes that it was Terri who “kept it going, it’s pretty special.”
Understanding True Strength in Adulthood
As Robert has matured, his admiration for his mother has only deepened. He confessed that he “never fully grasped what a powerful human being and brave human being she is, and was, until I really started to kind of step into adulthood.”
Losing Steve Irwin, known globally as the ‘Crocodile Hunter,’ at age 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray, left a profound void. For Terri, it meant raising two young children, Bindi and Robert, without her partner and “sounding board.” Robert reflected on this immense challenge, stating, “I realize now and only now what she has been through. The rug is just taken out from under you.”
Robert shared with People, “I always felt, obviously, I was missing a very big part of my life, but she made sure that I never felt I missed out. I got to have such an incredible childhood. But then, as you get a little bit older and you look back and get perspective.” He further praised her teaching him “every day what it is to put one foot in front of the other even when it’s so hard to do that,” and called her “such a kind and vulnerable and strong and steadfast human being.”
A Family Tradition of Tributes and Legacy
This moving dedication echoes a similar moment from Bindi Irwin’s own stint on Dancing with the Stars a decade prior, where she famously honored her late father. Now, Robert’s spotlight on Terri creates a beautiful symmetry, ensuring both parents receive their rightful recognition for their contributions to the family’s mission.
Fans have consistently lauded Terri’s often-underappreciated role. Comments flood social media praising her strength and acknowledging that while Steve’s legacy is widely celebrated, Terri’s steadfast contributions—both in wildlife conservation and as a single mother—are equally vital. One commenter aptly noted, “Everybody forgets that Ms. Terri was standing 10 toes with her man on nature conservation and has done the damn thing this whole time while raising two amazing kids.”
Terri Irwin’s Unwavering Journey
Born in Eugene, Oregon, in 1964, Terri Raines developed her passion for wildlife early on. By age 20, she was not only managing her family business but also running a wildlife rehabilitation organization called Cougar Country, caring for over 300 animals annually. Her life took a pivotal turn in 1991 during a holiday in Australia, where she met Steve Irwin at the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park. They married on June 4, 1992, embarking on a shared journey of filming wildlife documentaries that captivated millions.
Following Steve’s death, Terri courageously took the helm of Australia Zoo, ensuring that every conservation project he started continued to thrive. Her dedication was recognized with Australian citizenship in 2009 and an honorary membership in the Order of Australia for her profound commitment to wildlife conservation. As a grandmother to Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, she continues to expand the family’s global impact.
Robert Irwin, born December 1, 2003, along with Bindi, has truly followed in his parents’ footsteps. He is a celebrated wildlife photographer, television presenter, and passionate conservationist. His roles include a global ambassador for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize and co-host of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! The deep admiration expressed by fans for the entire Irwin family, particularly the calls for Terri to receive lifetime achievement awards, highlights their unique and enduring place in the public’s heart.
