Liz Calvario is a Los Angeles-based reporter and editor for TODAY.com who covers entertainment, pop culture and trending news.
The “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom was in tears after Robert Irwin’s dance with his mother, Terri Irwin. The Oct. 14 episode of “DWTS” was Dedication Night, where the celebrities honored their family or friends with a moving routine that included that special person.
The 21-year-old Australian wildlife conservationist and pro partner Witney Carson danced a contemporary routine to “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins. The two kicked off the emotional number, perfectly in sync as they performed the lyrical routine. The emotions were high as they took over the dance floor. As the performance came to an end, Carson departed and Terri Irwin, in a yellow dress, appeared. She held her son's hand as he twirled her. They finished by embracing each other, visibly emotional. Ahead of the performance, Robert Irwin spoke about losing his father, Steve Irwin, when he was almost 3 years old, and how his mother made sure to always be there for him and sister Bindi Irwin. Steve Irwin died at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray's barb while filming an underwater documentary. The Irwins have continued to keep his memory alive with their wildlife conservation work. “I was 2 when I lost dad,” Robert Irwin said, getting emotional. He said that he’s “never been about to capture the feeling of gratitude that I feel for her.” He added that at times, “I just wish that my dad was there, but she was there — and that was enough.” “I struggle a lot with losing dad and she always made sure my dad was present in our lives. I want her to know how proud my dad would be of her,” he said. Terri Irwin also spoke about her husband’s death, saying, “After we lost Steve it was difficult to smile again, for quite a while.” She added that because of her children, “I could get up every morning. So every day I’m a proud mama.” Following their routine, the judges were in tears themselves. Bruno Tonioli called it a “true expression of love,” with Carrie Ann Inaba praising Terri Irwin. Derek Hough was also in tears, expressing how much love he has for their family. Hough won Season 21 of “DWTS” with Bindi Irwin in 2015. She was also in the audience with husband Chandler Powell and daughter Grace. The judges awarded the dance a 35 out of 40. Ahead of the live show, Robert Irwin had written in an Instagram post that it had “been an emotional week in rehearsals.” “I’ve been thinking a lot about my mum and her strength, I’ve been reminiscing on the times we’ve spent as a family and how she has kept my dad part of my life,” he captioned his Instagram post, adding, “This dance is for my mum, it’s for anyone who’s lost someone… and it’s for all the strong mothers of the world who deserve our recognition and appreciation.” His mom had replied, writing, “I love you forever and always. Together we are strong.” On show day, Robert Irwin posted a video collage on TikTok filled with family video. “Tonight I dance for my mum, the strongest person I know. My mum and dad created a legacy that I’m proud to continue,” he wrote in the caption. “I hope I can use this dance to share what she means to me, to our family, and to say thank you for always supporting me through life’s ups and downs. See you tonight.”
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