Robert Irwin Left Audience In Tears With Tribute Dance To Mom Terri & ‘Anyone Who’s Lost Someone’

Oct 17, 2025 by apost team

On Oct. 14, 2025, Robert Irwin delivered a heartfelt performance dedicated to his mother, leaving the “Dancing with the Stars” audience deeply moved. The conservationist and DWTS contestant performed an emotional routine with his partner Witney Carson to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart” during the show’s Dedication Night.

Throughout the week, Robert kept fans updated on his progress, sharing in an Oct. 12, 2025, TikTok video that it had been a “tough week” for him. “We’ve been working hard and I’ve been sort of tapping into emotions that I haven’t really gotten to share before – certainly not publicly,” he said. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad, I’ve been thinking a lot about the highs and the lows, the grief, the way my mom has helped me navigate that.”

Robert’s late father, legendary wildlife expert and TV star Steve Irwin, passed away in 2006 at age 44 after a stingray accident while filming. Despite the challenges, Robert described the experience as both emotional and healing.

“It’s been such a stressful time,” he said, while adding that processing his feelings had been “really beautiful.” 

“This dance has just been this culmination of so much emotion, and I just want this to be a point of vulnerability. I want this to be a dance not only for my mom, but for all of the moms out there that don’t get the recognition that they deserve. I want this to be a dance for anyone who’s lost someone,” he said.

Before stepping onto the stage, Robert explained his choice to dedicate his performance to his mother, Terri Irwin, saying, “I’ve never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude I feel for her.” 

Robert went on to say:

“At every milestone, when I just wish, when I just wish that my dad was there, she was she was there, and that was enough.”

Opening up further, Robert confessed:

“I struggle a lot with losing dad a lot. She always made sure my dad was present in our lives. I wanted to know how proud my dad would be of her.” 

During rehearsals, Terri joined the pair and brought a touch of humor and emotion, saying, “I’m here to cry.” She continued:

“After we lost Steve, it was difficult to smile again, for quite while. So for him to say, ‘You lifted me up,’ honestly, it was the opposite. Because of them, I could get up every morning, so every day I’m a proud mama.”

Robert and Witney’s dance ended with a touching cameo from Terri, followed by an emotional embrace from Robert’s sister, Bindi. As the critiques began, Robert was visibly emotional. Judge Bruno Tonioli, holding back tears, said:

“(Your father is) looking at you, kid, and he’s smiling. You gave us all of your heart and soul. All I can say is this was the true expression of everlasting love.” 

Carrie Ann Inaba followed, saying:

“I’ve never had kids, but Terri, I have to say, if I could have had kids, I would like him to be like Robert.”

Derek Hough, who once danced with Bindi on  “Dancing with the Stars,” added through tears:

“The love I have for you family. I just have so much love you guys. I’m so proud of you. I really am. Just you become such amazing man and the world needs the Irwin family.” 

Guest judge Kym Johnson closed with admiration, telling Terri, “You’re just an incredible woman,” before adding, “But I’m gonna come talk to you later and get some tips on how you raise such great kids.”

apost.com

Robert Irwin’s emotional tribute reminded the world of the power of love, family, and resilience. What did you think of his heartfelt performance? Let us know, and then pass this on to remind people of how love endures through every loss and triumph!