Key Highlights
- Robert Irwin wears his father’s shirt on every show day to honor Steve Irwin’s legacy.
- The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist has made it a ritual to dance in his father’s shirt before performances.
- Irwin found and repaired the tattered shirt after going through his father’s belongings.
- Robert also carries a ring crafted from repurposed keys that belonged to his childhood home as another “good luck charm.”
The Legacy of Steve Irwin on Dancing with the Stars
In an emotional tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin, Robert Irwin has found a unique way to keep his memory alive while participating in the popular dance competition show, “Dancing with the Stars.” The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist shares that he wears his father’s shirt on every show day, a practice that began before his debut on the show in September. This gesture serves as more than just a memento; it is a deeply personal connection to his father and a way for Robert to honor Steve Irwin’s legacy.
Wearing the Father’s Shirt
“I like that it still looks and feels like him,” Robert shares, reflecting on the significance of the shirt. The shirt, which has visible marks of time with holes and repairs, was found during a sorting through his father’s belongings after his passing. Irwin took it upon himself to repair the shirt by sewing new buttons and patching the holes. He sees these imperfections as stories in their own right, each one telling a tale of his father’s adventurous and vibrant life.
Two “Good Luck Charms” for DWTS
In addition to the shirt, Robert carries two “good luck charms” with him every Tuesday to the DWTS studio. Alongside his father’s shirt is a ring crafted from repurposed keys that belonged to his childhood home. This ring features the engraved number “1638,” which signifies the address of the Australia Zoo, a place synonymous with the Irwin family legacy. For Robert, these items serve as constant reminders and sources of comfort and strength.
Connecting Through Dance
“This experience has truly changed my life,” Robert expressed, emphasizing his desire to keep his father’s memory present during his performances. By wearing his father’s shirt before rehearsals and official performances, he feels a closer connection to Steve Irwin. This ritual helps him embrace the family’s legacy and carry on his father’s spirit through the dance floor.
Support from Mother Terri
R Robert’s mother, Terri Irwin, has expressed her pride in her son’s homage to her late husband. She recalls how Robert’s connection to Steve remains strong, even years after his passing. Despite losing his father at the young age of two, Robert shares that he feels an ever-growing understanding of who Steve Irwin was, thanks to the stories and memories that resurface.
“I almost have an even greater picture of the person he was,” Robert reflects, showcasing the bond that ultimately remains unbreakable. Terri Irwin’s support has been instrumental in helping Robert navigate this emotional journey as he steps into the world of competitive dancing with his father’s shirt by his side.
