When Robert Irwin took the Dancing With the Stars stage, his performance became much more than a dance — it was a moving

tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin, and a heartfelt thank-you to his mother, Terri, who held the family together through tragedy.

Dancing to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart” with partner Witney Carson, the 20-year-old wildlife conservationist poured

raw emotion into a Contemporary routine that left both audience and judges in tears. The show’s official account called it a

“beautiful dedication to Terri,” and fans flooded social media with praise, calling it one of the most touching moments in DWTS history.

Though some disagreed with one judge’s lower score, most agreed that Robert’s dance went beyond competition — it symbolized love,

loss, and resilience. Before performing, he shared how his mother’s strength shaped him after his father’s death,

calling her his “greatest supporter.” Terri, in turn, said her children helped her find joy again, showing the deep bond between them.

Scoring 35 out of 40, Robert and Witney earned high marks, but the true victory was emotional. As Entertainment Tonight noted,

the performance highlighted Robert’s versatility and proved that the Irwin family’s legacy of love and courage continues to inspire the world.