Robert Irwin broke down in tears on Tuesday’s episode of “Dancing with the Stars.”
For “Dedication Night,” the wildlife conservationist and dance partner Witney Carson performed an emotional modern routine to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart,” from Disney’s 1990 film Tarzan.
Robert, 21, dedicated the performance to his mother, Terri Irwin, in honor of the incredible strength she has shown her family since the tragic death of her father, Steve Irwin, in 2006. The beloved ‘Crocodile Hunter’ was just 44 years old when he was fatally bitten by a stingray barb.
“This is a moment with my mom that I will cherish forever,” Robert said in a video ahead of the dance. “And my dad would be so proud.”
Terry appeared at the end of the dance holding hands with his son. They gave each other a big hug and Robert burst into tears.
Terry also wiped away tears when the judges praised his performance and awarded him 35 points out of 40.
Judge Derek Hough choked up as he expressed his love for Robert’s family. Hough was partnered with Robert’s older sister, 27-year-old Bindi Irwin, on Season 21 of DWTS.
“Hey, I’m so proud of you,” Huff said. “I really do. You’ve become such a great person. The world needs the Irwin family.”
Bindi was in the ballroom on Monday to cheer on her brother after winning the Season 21 Mirror Ball Trophy in 2015. During the season’s “Dedication Night,” he dedicated a performance to the late zookeeper.
Terry, 61, spoke about her husband’s death in a video played before the performance.
“Steve was only 44 when they told me about Steve’s accident, so it totally hit home for me,” she recalls. “It was kind of surreal for Bindi.”
“Bindi was so strong back then, but when you love someone that much, it’s like you completely lose a part of your heart,” she continued. “You’re not really going to get over it.”
After Hough reposted Terry and Bindi’s dance on TikTok, fans praised her.
One person wrote: “Sorry Terry is the strongest human being on the planet.” “Not only did she raise her two beautiful children perfectly, she continued to instill Steve’s teachings in them.”
Robert has emerged as the frontrunner for season 34 thanks to his strong performance from the premiere night. His toned physique has also won him many new fans.
The wildlife activist, who is currently single and previously said he was looking for the perfect American woman, told Page Six that he danced shirtless to Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” on “TikTok Night” and was then flooded with DMs.
“First of all, it means a lot, a lot,” he said at the time. “But yeah, I’m keeping an eye out, and when it happens, it happens…keep it up!”
“Dancing with the Stars” will air again next Tuesday at 8pm ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
