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When Robert Irwin stepped onto the dance floor for the 20th anniversary episode of Dancing With the Stars, few anticipated that his lively jive with Xochitl Gomez would become one of the season’s highlights. Together, they dazzled the audience with their exuberant performance. Their infectious energy and undeniable chemistry garnered accolades from judges and viewers alike. While Irwin enjoyed the dance’s playful nature, he remained tight-lipped about any connection beyond their impressive moves. So, is Robert Irwin currently single, and what is his relationship status with Gomez? Here’s the scoop.
Is Robert Irwin single? What to know about his relationship status
At 21, Robert Irwin, known for his work in wildlife conservation and his reality TV appearances, has managed public curiosity about his romantic life with a blend of transparency and privacy. His most notable relationship was with Rorie Buckey, the niece of the late actor Heath Ledger. The couple started dating in late 2022, went public by mid-2023, and amicably parted ways in February 2024 after approximately 18 months together.
So, what’s Irwin’s relationship status now? It seems he is single. He shared insights into his love life and the complexities he encounters in dating during an interview with The New York Times.
“Holy moly, that’s so challenging to navigate,” Robert mentioned, according to E! News, noting that “anything you do will be on TikTok the next day.”
Ultimately, Irwin’s primary focus is to remain authentic to himself. This approach, he believes, will lead to finding the right person if he decides to pursue a relationship in the future.
Ultimately, Irwin’s main goal is to stay true to himself. This will eventually lead to meeting the right person if he chooses to date in the future.
“I never change what I say, what I do, who I am one bit, wherever I am,” he said, noting he has “no persona to hide behind.”
“It’s just me, and I stand by who I am,” Irwin continued.
Robert Irwin and Xochitl Gomez sparked dating rumors on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 34
Since Robert Irwin and Xochitl Gomez shared a lively jive during the 20th anniversary celebration on Dancing With the Stars Season 34, their on-stage energy and camaraderie sparked immediate speculation that something more might be brewing. The buzz only intensified when Gomez turned up backstage with a bouquet of flowers just before the season finale. She was seen visiting Irwin, chatting with his family, and cheering him on.
So, is anything romantic happening between Irwin and Gomez? Despite the public attention, neither has confirmed a romantic relationship. TMZ caught up with Irwin to ask about a possible budding romance with Gomez, and he wouldn’t give a direct answer.
“Oh my gosh, we had the best time,” Irwin said. “That dance was so much fun. And it was so cool to do two such distinct dances — one that was really slow and heartfelt, and the dance with Xochitl, which was just energy and fun. She’s the best. It’s been really, really great.”
As the reporter pressed for more information, Irwin walked away without answering.
What happened with his relationship with Rorie Buckey?
Rorie Buckey and Robert Irwin were first linked in late 2022. Over the next year, they made their relationship fairly public. The couple attended red-carpet events together and shared glimpses of their lives on social media. Their relationship drew attention not only because they often traveled together (even attending the 2023 Earthshot Prize Awards in Singapore), but also because Irwin’s family warmly embraced Buckey. Irwin’s sister publicly referred to Buckey as the “sweetest soul, beautiful friend,” according to E! News.
Unfortunately, on Feb. 16, 2024, the pair announced via a joint social media statement that they had decided to part ways. Their message expressed mutual respect and appreciation for the time they spent together.
It’s unclear why the couple went their separate ways. Some fans on Reddit suspect that Buckey and Irwin wanted different futures, and thus broke up. Either way, it appears the decision was amicable.
