Proud mother Terri Irwin recently shared a nostalgic photo of her son Robert Irwin as he prepares to take on the challenge of competing in the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars in the United States. The touching image, which features a young Robert being held by his late father, the renowned wildlife expert Steve Irwin, captures a moment of family connection that resonates with many.
Terri posted the photograph on social media, accompanied by a playful caption that highlighted Robert’s potential as a dancer: “We always knew @robertirwinphotography had the legs of a dancer!” This lighthearted remark reflects the supportive environment within the Irwin family. Robert’s older sister, Bindi Irwin, also expressed her enthusiasm for the throwback, commenting, “I love this so much.”
As Robert transitions from his role as a wildlife photographer to the dance floor, he does so with the encouragement of his family. The new season of Dancing With The Stars premieres on July 8, 2024, and Robert is looking forward to this exciting new adventure. “I’ve never tried it, I don’t wear sequins, I’m not in this world at all. So it’s super new, and it’s terrifying, but it’s also awesome,” he shared with PEOPLE magazine. He described the experience as an adrenaline rush, stating, “I feel like I live for adrenaline. I’m not really living if I’m not on the edge just a little bit.”
Following in Bindi’s footsteps, who won the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in 2015, Robert has long been inspired by his sister’s success on the show. “I wanted to do this because I was inspired by my sister Bindi, who won Dancing with the Stars 10 years ago,” he explained. He fondly recalled attending her live tapings, thinking, “One day I have to do this.”
Losing his father at such a young age—Robert was only two years old when Steve Irwin died—has shaped his perspective on family. He expressed that his father’s presence is felt daily, saying, “He’s part of every conversation. He’s part of my life.” This connection allows Robert to feel as though he gains a part of his father back through shared stories and memories.
Robert holds his mother, Terri, in high regard, calling her “the most brave, steadfast, determined human being I’ve ever met.” The close bond within the Irwin family has faced scrutiny, particularly concerning their frequent travels together. Despite criticism, Robert defended their strong connection during a radio interview with Kylie and Jackie O in July 2023. “I think loss brings a family together like nothing else. People forget,” he said. “When we lost Dad, our little tight-knit family unit became incredibly tight. We travel with the whole family everywhere most of the time. It’s nice.”
As Robert prepares to make his mark on the dance floor, the support from his family remains unwavering, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Irwin family’s commitment to each other and their shared love for wildlife and adventure. The upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars is poised to be a thrilling chapter in Robert’s life, as he steps into the spotlight with the inspiration of his family behind him.
