Robert Irwin Reveals His Touching Tribute to His Late Dad Before Every ‘DWTS’ Performance – Fans in Tears
Beyond just dancing, the nature warrior turned ballroom sensation has broken hearts, honored a legacy, and moved a country to tears.
Robert Irwin is performing on “Dancing With the Stars” with the burden of a legacy in addition to his dancing skills.
There is a lot of excitement after the 21-year-old conservationist disclosed the two highly sentimental good luck charms he brings to each “DWTS” season 34 show day.
A Golden Ring, a Tattered Shirt, and an Overwhelming Legacy
Fans were shocked when Robert revealed a private routine that he used to keep his late father, Steve Irwin, close on TikTok on Sunday, November 16.
“Every show day on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ I have two good luck charms that I bring with me,” he stated in the clip. “These things keep me close to home and to what’s most important to me.”
The first thing? The garment of his late father. A faded, tattered, and buttonless green button-up relic from his father’s closet. With a smile that flashed with pride and sorrow, Robert held it up gently for the audience.
“This is my dad’s shirt,” he said. “I discovered this shirt while looking through his belongings. It has holes, is completely ragged, and lacks buttons.
Robert turned to display the shirt’s worn state and disclosed that he had it repaired and patched, but not excessively. “I appreciate that it still feels and looks like him.
Every single tear, hole, and missing button reveals a different tale. This shirt was clearly worn a lot. I suppose it serves as a decent illustration of how Dad conducted his life.
Robert wears it for his first rehearsal with partner Witney Carson prior to each performance; it’s a ritual steeped in sorrow and love.
“It simply keeps me near him and near my home. Every time I put it on, it feels like a giant hug,” he continued. “I stand for my message, my dad’s legacy, my house, and my family every time I enter the ballroom. To be able to do that is such an honor.
A Ring Made of Memories
It’s not just about the clothing. Robert unveiled his second charm, a personalized gold ring etched with heartbreak and history, on Monday, November 17.
“Again, it’s sort of a connection back to my childhood and my dad and my family and my home,” he said.
While organizing his father’s office, Robert came across an old set of keys. They were from the family’s first house.
He melted them down and had them made into a ring that had the number “1638”—the Australia Zoo’s address on Steve Irwin Way.
“It’s the most beautiful experience, and in some way, I want him [to be a] part of it,” said Robert. “My life has been genuinely transformed by this event. Without him and the legacy he left me, I know I wouldn’t be here today.”
“He’s Just a Boy Who Misses His Dad”: TikTok Users Cry
The comments area on TikTok? A rush of unfiltered passion. One commenter said, “He’s just a boy that misses his dad 😭.” Another said, “Imagine being a little boy and finally being able to fit into your dads [sic] clothes and wanting to keep his memory alive 🥰.”
Then came the heartbreaking response, “he can kinda see how maybe he’d be the same height, what it be like to share shirts [sic].” “I was doing good at not crying until I read this comment,” another person commented. Thank you [sic]. Another commenter said, “this 🥺💗[sic].”
Another person joked, “[This is my dad’s shirt’ starts crying [sic].” Someone else commented, “why [sic] do you always make me sob 😭.” A supporter wrote, “The number of clips of your dad in this shirt that just played in my head is absolutely unreal 😭.”
It was best expressed by one admirer, who wrote, “‘Looks and feels like him’ I’m in TEARS 😭😭😭.” “I wasn’t planning on Robert Irwin making me cry today, but here we are 😭,” said another admirer.
Robert was in tears when Bindi returned for an emotional dance.
A performance stopped time a few days prior to Robert’s touching revelation. On “Dancing With the Stars,” he dedicated his foxtrot routine to his father on the November 11th program.
Fans were shocked to see Robert’s sister, Bindi Irwin, take the stage as Leona Lewis’ “Footprints in the Sand” filled the ballroom. This is the same song that Bindi danced to during her season 21 finale.
Bindi seized his hand and joined the dance as Robert and Witney were almost done with their routine. The occasion was filled with honor, grief, and family.
Robert fell to the ground, overcome with passion as the last chords were played. Bindi and Witney knelt next to him in a potent symbol of loss and solidarity. The television flickered to a video montage showing Robert and Bindi in their father’s arms. Terri Irwin, their mother, silently observed.
Soon later, Robert posted his thoughts on Instagram. “This dance was emotional, beautiful and so deeply meaningful,” he stated. “I carry Dad’s legacy with me in everything I do, and it was a privilege to dedicate our foxtrot to him.”
He thanked Witney for assisting him in revealing something he had never displayed before and commended Bindi for her previous inspiration.
“Thank you @bindisueirwin for inspiring us with your freestyle to this song, and thank you @witneycarson for once again choreographing such a beautiful story through dance and for creating a space for me to convey raw emotions that I’ve never gotten to share before,” he said. “I’m a proud Wildlife Warrior, and I’ll always carry on my dad’s mission.”
Bindi’s gown, Grace’s butterfly dress, and a memorable family moment
Both on and off screen, the performance was a family affair. Grace, Robert’s four-year-old niece and the daughter of Bindi and Chandler Powell, also expressed support for her uncle. In a forest green gown adorned with butterflies, she looked like a little princess. Grace’s parents stood proudly behind her as she grinned joyously outside the trailer.
Chandler wore a similar black suit to match his wife, and Bindi looked stunning in a shimmering black dress that wonderfully encapsulated the night’s emotions.
Awaiting @dancingwiththestars with excitement! Bindi wrote, “VOTE for @robertirwinphotography and @witneycarson,” with backstage pictures.
The ballroom reels from a royal cameo.
However, a royal message abruptly ended the event just when the audience was at their most emotional. Prince William emerged on TV in an unexpected video message, conveying love and humor to Robert from all around the world.
“We’re missing you, Robert,” the Prince of Wales stated. “Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here.”
He then turned to face Witney and said, “You need to get him in as much glitter as you can.” “I can’t believe he just said my name!” exclaimed Witney, chuckling.
“We are doing this dance for Bindi, and we are doing this dance for Prince William, so let’s not mess this up!” Robert said, clearly moved, before to the performance.
Prior to the performance, the pressure was unbearable. “This is a lot of weight, because I really want it to be our best dance yet, to be honest,” Robert admitted throughout the rehearsal process. Robert carried the same flame in the same song on the same stage ten years after Bindi’s homage.
From Ballroom Favorite to Wildlife Warrior
Originally scheduled to travel to Brazil for the Earthshot Prize presentation, Robert decided to stay in the United States for “DWTS.” Joking, “I told him, ‘I’m still here,'” he hoped the absence would not bother Prince William.
However, Robert’s efforts as an Earthshot worldwide ambassador and conservationist go beyond the brilliant lights. Like his dad, he advocates for the environment through Wildlife Warriors and the Australia Zoo.
Robert Irwin is now demonstrating that legacy isn’t only about the past; it’s something he’s dancing into the future with every synchronized stride and every poignant beat.
