Terri Irwin has shared a touching throwback photo of her son Robert Irwin as he prepares to take on a new challenge on the US television show Dancing With The Stars. The image, which captures an adorable young Robert being held by his father, the late Steve Irwin, on a motorbike, highlights the family’s enduring bond and support for each other.
In her post, Terri affectionately joked about Robert’s “chubby legs,” commenting, “We always knew @robertirwinphotography had the legs of a dancer!” This light-hearted moment reflects the close-knit family dynamic, where encouragement and camaraderie are paramount. Robert’s older sister, Bindi Irwin, also expressed her admiration in the comments, saying, “I love this so much.”
As Robert transitions from his usual rugged lifestyle to the glamorous world of dance, he is set to join his family in this new venture. The latest season of Dancing With The Stars premieres on Tuesday, and Robert is ready to swap his dusty boots for sequined shoes. Speaking with PEOPLE, he shared his mixed feelings about the experience: “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.”
Robert, now 21, is following in his sister’s footsteps, who won the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in 2015. Reflecting on his motivations, Robert said, “I wanted to do this because I was inspired by my sister Bindi, who won Dancing With The Stars 10 years ago. I remember coming to every live taping to watch her and thinking, ‘One day I have to do this’.”
Despite the profound loss of their father at such a young age, Robert emphasized that Steve remains a significant part of his life. “He’s part of every conversation. He’s part of my life,” Robert stated. He feels a connection to his father through every story shared and every photo discovered, stating, “I feel as though I get a little part of him back in some way.”
Robert also praised his mother, Terri, for her strength and determination, calling her “the most brave, steadfast, determined human being I’ve ever met.” Their bond has come under scrutiny in the past, especially regarding their close relationship and frequent travels together. In May 2024, some social media users criticized their dynamic, questioning Terri’s constant presence with her son.
Addressing this, Robert explained during a radio interview with Kylie and Jackie O in July 2023, “I think loss brings a family together like nothing else. People forget. 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 for his dance debut, the support of his family remains a source of strength. The Irwins continue to inspire each other, showcasing their love and resilience in the face of challenges.
