On October 14, 2025, Robert Irwin delivered one of the most heartfelt performances of the Dancing with the Stars season, dedicating his routine to his mother, Terri Irwin.
Dancing alongside partner Witney Carson, the wildlife conservationist moved the audience with a touching performance to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart” during the show’s Dedication Night.
In the days leading up to the performance, Robert shared a glimpse into his emotional preparation. In an October 12 TikTok video, he admitted it had been “a tough week,” explaining,
“We’ve been working hard, and I’ve been tapping into emotions I haven’t really shared before—certainly not publicly.
I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad, about the highs and the lows, the grief, and the way my mom has helped me navigate that.”
Robert’s father, the legendary wildlife expert Steve Irwin, passed away in 2006 at age 44 after a tragic stingray accident. Reflecting on the process, Robert described the experience as both challenging and healing.
“It’s been such a stressful time, but processing all these emotions has been really beautiful,” he said. “This dance has been the culmination of so much emotion.
I want it to be a moment of vulnerability—not just for my mom, but for all the moms who don’t get the recognition they deserve. I want this to be a dance for anyone who’s ever lost someone.”
Before stepping onto the stage, Robert spoke about his reason for dedicating the performance to Terri:
“I’ve never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude I feel for her. At every milestone, when I just wish my dad was there, she was there—and that was enough.”
Opening up further, he added,
“I struggle a lot with losing Dad. But Mom always made sure he was still present in our lives. I just want him to know how proud he would be of her.”
During rehearsals, Terri joined her son and Witney, bringing both humor and heartfelt emotion. “I’m here to cry,” she joked, before reflecting,
“After we lost Steve, it was difficult to smile again for quite a while. So when he says, ‘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 performance ended with a surprise cameo from Terri, followed by an emotional embrace from Robert’s sister, Bindi Irwin.
As the judges began their critiques, Robert fought back tears while the panel praised his sincerity and heart.
Judge Bruno Tonioli, visibly moved, said:
“Your father is looking at you, kid, and he’s smiling. You gave us all of your heart and soul. This was the true expression of everlasting love.”
Carrie Ann Inaba followed, telling Terri:
“I’ve never had kids, but if I could, I would want one like Robert.”
Judge Derek Hough, who once danced with Bindi on Dancing with the Stars, added through tears:
“I have so much love for your family. I’m so proud of you, Robert. You’ve become such an amazing man, and the world truly needs the Irwin family.”
Guest judge Kym Johnson closed with admiration, saying to Terri,
“You’re an incredible woman. I’m going to come talk to you later to get some tips on how you raised such great kids.”