Robert Irwin reveals he brings a repaired shirt and a ring made from his father Steve Irwin's childhood home keys to every 'Dancing With the Stars' performance, as a tribute to his late father. He shares how these items keep him connected to his roots and the legacy of his family's conservation work.
As Robert Irwin prepares for"Dancing With the Stars" semifinals, he shared the two items from his dad Steve Irwin that he brings with him to the studio for each performance day." semifinals on Nov. 18, Irwin detailed the two keepsakes from dad Steve Irwin — who died in 2006 — he wears on every performance day: a button-down shirt that Robert repaired, as well as a ring he created from keys to his childhood home he found in Steve’s office.
“These two things are a way to keep me close to home and to what’s most important to me,” he said in his Nov. 17 video, for which he wore both the shirt and the ring. Of the repaired shirt, he added, “I like that it still looks and feels like him. Each one of the holes, and the tears, and each of the missing buttons tells a story.” The environmental advocate went on to detail how he begins every Tuesday — show day on"Dancing With the Stars" — by putting on the shirt, which he then wears to the studio and for his first dress rehearsals before getting into wardrobe.“So before you guys see that dance in costume, I’ve always done that dance at least once in dad’s shirt,” he said. “It keeps me close to home, it keeps me close to him. It just feels like a big hug every time I put it on.” As for the ring, it bears the number of Australia Zoo, his and his family’s home located at 1638 Steve Irwin Way.multiple times this season. “In some way, I want him part of it. Because this experience has truly changed my life. And I know I wouldn’t be here without him and his legacy that I get to continue.” He added, “I’m just so grateful that I’m heading into the home stretch, this is it. I’m doing this for a purpose and a cause that is close to my heart: before anything else, I’m an animal conservationist. I proudly continue the work that my mum and dad started.” And indeed, his mom Terri Irwin couldn’t be prouder. As she wrote on his post, “This is incredibly special and meaningful. Your dad would be chuffed for sure. He loved you so much,” adding, “I love what you did with your dad’s keys.”for the season’s “Dedication Night” on Oct. 14. For dance in Terri’s honor, Robert and his partner Witney Carson danced to Phil Collins' “You’ll Be in My Heart.”“She's an absolute hero to me, because I was 2 when I lost dad,” Robert shared after the performance. “As I got older, started to realize just how hard it would have been for her to be there for us, and all the while continue dad's legacy that her and dad built together.” Growing emotional, he added he’s “never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude I feel for it.” “At every milestone when I just wished that my dad was there, she was there,” he said. “And that was enough.” The wildlife conservationist and his "Dancing with the Stars" pro partner Witney Carson join Access Daily's Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover to share insight on their intense rehearsals and even show off a few moves.
Robert Irwin Steve Irwin Dancing With The Stars Tribute Family Legacy
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Steve Donahue will visit an old haunt, the Palestra, when St. Joe’s plays PennPenn fired Donahue as coach in March. He returns Monday night to face Fran McCaffery's Quakers as the head coach at St. Joseph's.
Read more »
Robert Irwin Wears Dad Steve’s Shirt Before Every DWTS ShowRobert Irwin shared the good luck charms he wears every week before show day on 'Dancing With the Stars'
Read more »
'Dancing With the Stars' Prince Night Theme and Song ListGina Vivinetto is a trending news reporter for TODAY.com
Read more »
Cody Johnson, '9-1-1: Nashville' stars, Steve Martin among stars announced as CMA Awards presentersKeith Urban and Little Big Town have been added to the list of performers for the ceremony, airing Nov. 19 on ABC
Read more »
New wolf snake honors the late Steve IrwinAndrew Paul is Popular Science's staff writer focused primarily on tech, AI, physics, and culture news. He was previously a regular contributor to The A.V. Club and Input, and has been featured by Rolling Stone, Fangoria, GQ, Slate, NBC, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, and elsewhere. He lives outside Indianapolis.
Read more »
‘DWTS' Robert Irwin reveals ‘good luck charms' from dad Steve IrwinAs Robert Irwin prepares for 'Dancing With the Stars' semifinals, he shared the two items from his dad that he brings with him each performance day.
Read more »