Robert Irwin breaks down as he reveals the final message his late father Steve left for him

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Robert Irwin has broken down as he shared one of the final things he father ever said to him.  

Steve Irwin tragically died on September 4, 2006, while filming in the Great Barrier Reef. He was struck in the chest by the barb of a short-tail stingray, and Philippe Cousteau Jr. was with him at the time.

Even though he was only two years old when his father died, the 21-year-old recently discovered a video message his dad left for him.

Robert became emotional while on The Viall Files podcast, describing how deeply touched he was by watching the clip.

Honestly, seeing that really moved me. It felt like a genuine gift – something tangible and lasting, captured in words. It brought tears to my eyes, because it felt so incredibly meaningful.

‘I’m watching him looking through the camera and telling me, “I’m not always gonna be here.”‘

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The video showed Steve explaining how he was building a legacy to leave to his children. 

Robert shared that his father advised him to build something lasting, something he could carry on, and that’s what he hoped Robert would do.

Robert shared that his main goal was to create something lasting that his children could carry on after he was gone. He mentioned this years before he died.

Robert had his fans in tears during his appearance on Dancing with the Stars US this week. 

The night’s theme was dedications, and Robert, dancing with Witney Carson, performed a moving routine to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be In My Heart.” He dedicated the dance to his mother, Terri, who is 61 years old.

Even before he danced with Witney, Robert was already feeling very emotional and had been talking about his mother in an interview.

Robert shared that his father, Steve Irwin, passed away when he was just two years old, and he considers his mother a true hero because of it, his voice filled with emotion.

Growing up, I began to understand how difficult it must have been for her to support us while also trying to maintain the life and work my parents had created together.

Robert added: ‘I’ve never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude I feel for her.’ 

‘At every milestone, when I just wish that my dad was there, she was there. That was enough.’

Everything went smoothly during the performance, but Robert really surprised the audience when Terri unexpectedly appeared during the finale.

When their dance ended, Robert became overwhelmed with emotion and embraced Terri tightly, receiving cheers from the delighted audience.

Terri, overcome with emotion herself, also fought back tears following the performance. 

She shared how much she loved her son and felt lucky to be his mother. Robert then dedicated the dance to his own mother, and to all mothers who aren’t appreciated enough, encouraging everyone to call their mums and tell them they love them.

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2025-10-16 16:54