Robert Irwin, the son of the late conservationist and television personality Steve Irwin, recently shared a deeply emotional moment during a podcast appearance, revealing a poignant message left by his father. The 21-year-old reflected on a video where Steve expressed his desire to create a lasting legacy for his children, emphasizing, “I’m not always going to be there.” This heartfelt admission highlights how Steve’s influence continues to shape Robert’s life, even after his tragic passing in September 2006.
As Robert recounted on the podcast The Viall Files, he feels a profound connection to his father’s words. “For me watching that, it’s like he gave me this gift — it’s there, it’s material, it’s in writing,” Robert explained. He described the experience of watching Steve look directly into the camera and communicate a message of continuity and purpose: “He was telling me that he was creating something that you can continue and that’s what I want you to do.”
Legacy and Continued Passion
Steve Irwin, known as The Crocodile Hunter, passed away at the age of 44 from a stingray injury while filming in the Great Barrier Reef. At the time of his death, Robert was just two years old, and his sister, Bindi, was eight. Growing up at Australia Zoo, both siblings have remained closely involved in their father’s legacy. Robert’s admiration for his father is evident in his mannerisms and his passionate dedication to wildlife conservation.
Recently, Robert captivated audiences on Dancing With The Stars, where he paid tribute to his mother, Terri Irwin, during Dedication Night. He acknowledged the significant role she has played in keeping Steve’s memory alive in their family. The emotional performance brought tears to both Robert and Terri as they embraced on stage. “This is a moment with my mum that I’ll cherish forever, and I know my dad would be so proud,” he said after the performance.
A Tribute to Mothers and Resilience
Following his heartfelt dance, Robert received an impressive score of 35 points from the judges, marking his highest score of the season and securing his place in the next episode. He has described the week leading up to the performance as emotionally challenging, reflecting on the strength of his mother and their family bond.
In a poignant Instagram post, Robert shared his feelings about the emotional weight of the rehearsals, stating, “I’ve been reminiscing on the times we’ve spent as a family and how she has kept my dad part of my life.” He dedicated the dance to all those who have lost loved ones and specifically to the strong mothers who deserve recognition.
The post attracted a wave of supportive responses, including a touching comment from Terri: “I love you forever and always. Together we are strong.” This sentiment encapsulates the resilience that the Irwin family continues to embody, ensuring that Steve’s legacy and love endure through their efforts in wildlife conservation and family unity.
