Robert Irwin’s Heartfelt Tribute to Late Father Steve During Emotional DWTS Performance

This week on Dancing With The Stars was all about “dedication,” as contestants took to the floor to dance to songs that honor the most important people in their lives. The competition has been intense this season, but this particular episode turned up the emotional intensity.

Emotions peaked for standout contestant Robert Irwin, who chose to dedicate his performance to his parents, including his late father, the renowned wildlife expert Steve Irwin. Robert’s heartfelt tribute left hardly a dry eye in the house as he expressed how much the dance meant to him.

For his dedication, Robert selected Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be In My Heart” from the Tarzan soundtrack. Accompanied by his professional dance partner, Witney Carson, the pair delivered a moving contemporary routine that earned them a score of 35 out of 40 from the judges. This impressive performance keeps them securely at the top of the leaderboard, continuing their strong streak this season.

Robert Danced To A Bittersweet Song From Tarzan

Robert’s song choice for dedication week was Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be In My Heart” from the Tarzan soundtrack. He and his dance pro partner, Witney Carson, did a contemporary routine to the sweet song, and in the end they received a 35 out of 40 from the judges, allowing them to remain at the top of the pack as they have been thus far this season.

Before taking the stage, a video clip of Robert played, where he opened up about how special that evening’s performance was sure to be for him:

This is a moment with my mother that I will cherish forever. And I know my dad would be so proud.

Those familiar with the Irwin family will recall that patriarch Steve passed away from a freak accident with a stingray back in 2006. Steve was just 44 years old at the time, leaving behind his wife, Terri, and two small children. Robert himself was just three months shy of his third birthday at the time of his father’s passing.

Robert explained the performance was also dedicated to his mother, Terri, who he noted had been extremely strong in the face of loss, raising his sister Bindi and himself largely as a single mother.

Terri Joined Robert Onstage

At the end of the performance, Terri joined her son onstage, walking up to him and taking his hand. As she wrapped him in a big hug, he could be seen with tears in his eyes, emotional from the music and the special shared moment with his mother.

Terri got to be with Robert as he heard the feedback from the judges, which was quite praising. Derek Hough, in particular, offered some effusive words to the young contestant:

Man, I’m so proud of you. I really am. You’ve become such an amazing man, and the world needs the Irwin family.

For her part, Terri also got to share a bit of her own experience. In a separate video, she recalled what it was like for her to lose her husband and the father of her children. “When they told me about Steve’s accident, it completely blindsided me, because Steve was only 44 years old,” she said. “It was kind of unreal for Bindi.”

“[But] Bindi was so strong at the time. When you love someone that much, it’s like totally losing a piece of your heart. You’re really not going to get over it,” she reflected. Bindi could also be seen in the audience during dedication night, there to support her younger brother.