&34;The world needs the Irwin family,&34; judge Derek Hough declared after Robert's poignant dance with his mom, Terri Irwin. Robert Irwin breaks down sobbing r

"The world needs the Irwin family," judge Derek Hough declared after Robert's poignant dance with his mom, Terri Irwin.

Robert Irwin breaks down sobbing remembering late dad Steve Irwin on DWTS

"The world needs the Irwin family," judge Derek Hough declared after Robert's poignant dance with his mom, Terri Irwin.

By Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books.

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October 14, 2025 9:09 p.m. ET

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Robert Irwin and Witney Carson on 'Dancing With the Stars'. Credit:

Robert Irwin just brought the entire *Dancing With the Stars *ballroom to tears.

On the show's "Dedication Night," the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist paid tribute not to Steve Irwin, his legendary late father, but Terri, his mom, whom he called "an absolute hero to me."

"I was 2 when I lost dad, and as I got older, I 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," Irwin candidly shared with Carson during rehearsal. "I struggle a lot with losing dad, a lot, and she always made sure my dad was present in our lives. I wanted to know how proud my dad would be of her."**

Dedicating the dance to Terri would already have struck a deep and tender nerve, but then Irwin brought his mom out on stage to join him and his pro partner Witney Carson for their contemporary routine.

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Irwin and Carson first moved through an elegant, softly-lit set of steps to a rendition of "You'll Be in My Heart," Phil Collins' indelible, original song from the *Tarzan *soundtrack. Then, as the music began to swell, Terri swept in to join her son, displaying a palpable sense of familial camaraderie and love.

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A shot of Irwin's fellow competitors revealed more than a few in tears, which followed in the judge's critiques.

"Robert — he's looking at you, kid, and he's smiling. You gave us all of your heart and soul. All I can say this was the true expression of everlasting love," said Bruno Tonioli. Carrie Ann Inaba added, "I've never had kids, but Terri, I have to say, if I could have had kids, I would like him to be like that."

The routine seemed to hit Derek Hough the hardest. Hough, who took home the mirrorball trophy on season 21 with Robert's sister Bindi Irwin, broke down in tears when sharing, "The love I have for your family — I just have so much love for you guys. Man, I'm so proud of you. I really am, you've become such an amazing man, and the world needs the Irwin family."

Robert Irwin and Terri Irwin on 'Dancing With the Stars'.

Irwin and Carson earned a season-high total score of 35 out of a possible 40 points ("Dedication Night" featured guest judge Kym Johnson). Competitor Dylan Efron later earned a 36 with his routine dedicated to little sister Olivia.

While in the skybox with cohost Julianne Hough, Irwin noted that it had been a "tough week." He dedicated his dance not to just Terri, but to "all of the moms out there who don't get the recognition they deserve. This is for the single parents who work so hard every day to put one foot in front of the other. It's for anyone who's lost someone, who feels lost. Keep going, and if you can, go call your mum and tell her that you love her."

*Dancing With the Stars* airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, and streams the next day on Hulu.**

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