Robert Irwin Shares Heartfelt Rituals Before ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Shows

Robert Irwin, the son of renowned wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, has revealed the sentimental rituals he observes before each performance on the current season of Dancing With the Stars. In a heartfelt TikTok video shared on November 16, 2023, the 21-year-old expressed how these rituals connect him to his father’s legacy and keep him grounded as he competes.

Each performance day, Irwin dons a green button-up shirt that belonged to his late father. He describes this garment, which he found while sorting through his father’s belongings, as “absolutely tattered” with worn buttons and holes. “I like that it still looks and feels like him,” he shared, explaining that he had the shirt repaired to maintain its essence. Irwin views the shirt as a representation of his father’s adventurous spirit, saying, “This shirt definitely saw a lot. I guess it’s kind of a good example of how dad lived his life.”

Before his first rehearsal with partner Witney Carson, Irwin puts on his father’s shirt each morning, stating, “It just keeps me close to home, it keeps me close to him. It feels like a big hug.” He emphasized that every time he steps onto the dance floor, he feels he is honoring his father’s memory, saying, “I represent my dad’s legacy, my home, my family.”

In addition to his father’s shirt, Irwin carries a second good luck charm—a gold ring that holds deep personal significance. After cleaning out his father’s office, he discovered a set of keys from their childhood home. He had these keys melted down and transformed into a ring, which he now wears every Tuesday morning before heading to the studio. The ring is engraved with “1638,” the address of the Australia Zoo at 1638 Steve Irwin Way. Irwin described the process of creating the ring as “the most beautiful experience,” noting that it allows him to feel that his father is with him during this transformative chapter of his life.

Last week, Irwin’s sister, Bindi Irwin, who won Season 21 of Dancing With the Stars, joined him for an emotional foxtrot performance to “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis. The routine served as a tribute to their father, who passed away in 2006 due to a stingray injury. During the performance, family photos were projected onto the dance floor, prompting an emotional reaction from Robert. Both Bindi and Witney provided comfort as he processed the moment.

Irwin’s heartfelt connection to his father not only enhances his performances but also resonates with fans who admire the legacy of the Irwin family. As he continues on this competitive journey, Robert Irwin remains dedicated to honoring his father’s impactful life and commitment to wildlife conservation.