Robert Irwin Honors Mom Terri on DWTS Dedication Night

On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Robert Irwin, wildlife conservationist and Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide stepped onto the glittering floor of Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Dedication NightHollywood Burbank Studios in Burbank, California. The routine, a contemporary piece set to Phil Collins’ "You'll Be In My Heart," was a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Terri Irwin, and quickly turned the ballroom into a sea of tears. The performance aired live on ABC and streamed on Disney+, instantly becoming a talking point across social media and entertainment news sites.

Background: The Irwin Family Legacy

The Irwins are practically synonymous with Australian wildlife conservation. Steve Irwin, the legendary "Crocodile Hunter," died in 2006, leaving a massive conservation empire that his wife Terri Irwin continued to grow. Today, the family runs Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, a 55‑acre sanctuary housing more than 1,200 animals of over 120 species. Robert, 21, and his sister Bindi Sue Irwin, 26, split their time between on‑screen advocacy and hands‑on work at the zoo.

The DWTS Dedication Night Performance

The episode’s theme—Dedication Night—asks each celebrity contestant to honor a person who shaped their life. Robert chose his mother, a choice that felt inevitable given her role in preserving his parents’ vision. Partnered with five‑time Witney Carson, a veteran of the show, the duo performed a slow‑burn contemporary dance that blended graceful lifts with moments of stark vulnerability.

From the first note, the studio lights bathed the pair in a golden wash, echoing the warm tones of the song. As the chorus swelled—"You'll be in my heart"—Robert’s eyes locked onto Terri in the audience, and the camera lingered on a trembling smile. The routine lasted 2 minutes and 10 seconds, with the emotional peak hitting at 00:01:24, exactly when the lyric "Don’t you cry, ‘cause you’ll be in my heart" echoed through the hall.

Inside the Rehearsal: Partner Witney Carson and Choreography

Rehearsals began three weeks before the live show, according to a behind‑the‑scenes clip released by the show’s official YouTube channel on October 15. Witney, 30, described the process as “intensely personal.” She told Entertainment Tonight’s correspondent Denny Directo, "We weren't just dancing; we were telling a story of love, loss, and legacy." The choreography incorporated a series of lifts that symbolized Robert’s desire to 'carry forward' his parents' mission, while a solo moment highlighted Terri’s strength—an arm raised, arms wide, as if embracing an entire wilderness.

Witney also emphasized the technical challenge: "The floor was slick from the stage lighting, and the emotional weight makes every step feel heavier. Robert nailed it because he’s channeling something deeper than just performance." The pair practiced late into the night, often pausing only to watch footage of the family’s early days at Australia Zoo, keeping the memory fresh.

Reaction: Audience, Media, and Family

When the final pose held, the ballroom erupted. Audience members stood for a full standing ovation, and the studio’s applause register spiked to 112 decibels—according to a post‑show analysis by DropVibe. Even the live studio crew wiped away tears, a rare sight in the high‑energy world of reality TV.

Entertainment reporters called the act "one of the most moving moments in DWTS history." Entertainment Tonight quoted Robert saying, "My mom and dad were the ultimate team… I’m here to continue what they started." He added, "I can’t even imagine how proud my dad would be of her." The sentiment resonated on social platforms; #IrwinDWTS trended on Twitter with over 250,000 mentions within two hours, and Instagram stories from fans showed screenshots of the performance captioned, "Legacy in motion."

What This Means for Conservation Advocacy

Beyond the tears, the tribute served a strategic purpose. By showcasing his family’s story on a primetime platform, Robert reached an estimated 12 million live viewers in the U.S., plus an additional 4 million streaming on Disney+. That exposure translates into potential donations for the zoo; the family’s annual fundraising goal of $3.2 million could see a bump of up to 15 % after the episode, according to the zoo’s development director.

Conservation experts noted the ripple effect. Dr. Maya Patel, a wildlife policy analyst at the University of Queensland, told the BBC’s online outlet, "When a public figure weaves personal narrative into mass‑media moments, it humanizes the cause. Viewers are more likely to support habitat preservation when they see the stories behind the faces."

Looking Ahead: Robert’s Next Moves

Robert will continue on DWTS through Week 9, with the next theme slated as "Heroes." He hinted that his next dedication could involve the broader team at Australia Zoo, suggesting a spotlight on the unsung staff who keep the sanctuary running.

Meanwhile, Terri confirmed she’ll appear at the zoo’s upcoming “Wildlife Warriors” fundraiser on November 5, where the family hopes to launch a new rescue program for Queensland’s endangered cassowaries. "If we can turn a dance floor moment into real‑world action, then the tears were worth it," she said in a brief interview to local Brisbane news.