Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin is dominating the competition on Dancing With The Stars, securing the top spot on the leaderboard as he prepares for Tuesday's grand finale. In a heartfelt revelation, the young star has shared the two deeply personal items that have been his secret weapons and sources of strength throughout the entire journey.
A Father's Shirt: A Tangible Connection to Steve Irwin
In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Robert Irwin disclosed that on every show day, he wears an old, tattered blue shirt that once belonged to his late father, the legendary Steve Irwin. Robert explained that he found the shirt while going through his father's belongings, describing it as absolutely tattered with rips, holes, and missing buttons. He had it carefully patched up, but made sure it retained its original character.
"I like that it still looks and feels like him," Robert said, smiling. "Each one of the tears, and the holes, the missing buttons, tells a different story. And this shirt definitely saw a lot. I guess it's a good example of how dad lived his life." For Robert, putting on the shirt before rehearsals "feels like a big hug" from his dad, who remains his biggest inspiration both in and out of the ballroom.
A Ring Forged from Home: Melting Down Memories
The second lucky charm is a simple gold ring with a profound backstory. While cleaning out his father's office, Robert discovered a set of keys from his original childhood home. He decided to have the keys melted down and crafted into a ring, which is now engraved with "1638"—the address of his family home on Steve Irwin Way at Australia Zoo.
Robert sees these two items as a vital way to stay connected to his roots and what matters most. "These two things are a way to keep me close to home and what's most important to me," he stated. "It's the most beautiful experience, and in some way, I want him part of it. Because this experience has truly changed my life and I know I wouldn't be here without him and his legacy that I get to continue."
On the Cusp of Victory: A Legacy in Motion
The emotional connection to his father has clearly resonated with both the judges and the audience. On Tuesday night, during the Prince-themed semi-finals, Robert and his professional partner Witney Carson delivered two stunning routines that earned them a near-perfect score of 29 out of 30 from the judges.
His proud mother, Terri Irwin, who has been in the audience supporting him from the start, commented on his Instagram post, writing, "This is incredibly special and meaningful. Your dad would be chuffed for sure. He loved you so much." With many viewers already declaring him the winner, all eyes are on Robert Irwin as he heads into the Dancing With The Stars finale on Tuesday, carrying his father's legacy with him in every step.
