Robert Irwin’s “Vulnerable” Dance in Honor of His Mom Leaves Viewers in Tears

It was a night filled with emotion, love, and family on Dancing With the Stars. On Tuesday evening, Robert Irwin — Australian wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin — delivered one of the most heartfelt performances in the show’s history.

 A Night to Remember

This week’s theme, “Dedication Night,” gave each celebrity the chance to dedicate their dance to someone who changed their life. But for the first time in the show’s history, the person being honored actually joined their loved one on stage.

For Robert Irwin, that person was his mom — Terri Irwin.

 A Tribute Rooted in Family and Loss

Robert’s father, the legendary “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, passed away in 2006 when Robert was just three years old. Since then, Terri has raised Robert and his sister Bindi as a single mother, continuing Steve’s conservation legacy while holding her family together through unimaginable loss.

In the days leading up to his performance, Robert shared just how much the routine meant to him.

“We’ve been working hard and I’ve been tapping into emotions I’ve never really shared before — certainly not publicly,” he said in a TikTok video. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad… the highs, the lows, and how my mom has helped me navigate it all.”

 Terri Irwin Joins Her Son on Stage

In a stunning and emotional twist, Terri Irwin joined her son on the dance floor, marking one of the most unforgettable moments in Dancing With the Stars history.

Following in the footsteps of his sister Bindi, who won the competition in 2015 and famously honored their father with a moving tribute dance, Robert chose to dedicate his performance to the woman who’s always been his guiding light — his mom.

“At every milestone when I just wished my dad was there… she was there,” Robert said through tears. “And that was enough. I want her to know how proud my dad would be of her.”

The emotional routine was set to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be In My Heart.” Robert began the performance with his professional partner Witney Carson, before Terri joined for the final moments — a symbolic gesture that had everyone in tears.

 The Audience and Judges Were Moved to Tears

As the performance ended, the audience erupted into applause — many visibly crying.

Judge Bruno Tonioli said:

“You gave us all of your heart and soul. This was a true expression of everlasting love.”

Judge Derek Hough added, visibly emotional:

“I’m just so proud of you. You’ve become such an amazing man. The world needs the Irwin family.”

Robert and Witney went on to earn the highest score of the season so far — 35 out of 40 points.

 A Legacy of Love

Robert Irwin’s dance was more than a performance — it was a love letter to his mom, a celebration of strength, and a reminder of the unbreakable bonds that carry us through life’s hardest moments.

In honoring Terri, Robert honored his entire family’s story — one built on compassion, resilience, and love that endures beyond loss.

👉 Watch Robert Irwin’s emotional “Dedication Night” performance in the video below.