Robert Irwin once again had audiences in tears as he dedicated his latest Dancing With the Stars performance to his family.
For the show’s 20th anniversary special, the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and his partner Witney Carson performed a moving foxtrot to Leona Lewis’ “Footprints in the Sand.” The routine was inspired by his sister Bindi’s 2015 Dancing With the Stars performance to the same song, a dance she dedicated to their late father, the legendary Steve Irwin.
Earlier this season, Robert also honoured his mother, Terri Irwin, with a dance for dedication night, continuing the family’s tradition of heartfelt storytelling through movement.
Throughout the performance, Robert and Witney glided gracefully across the ballroom, their chemistry underscored by emotion.
As the song reached its final moments, Bindi appeared on stage in a surprise cameo, taking her brother’s hand to finish the dance with him.
When the music ended, footage of Robert and Bindi as children in their father’s embrace played across the ballroom floor, and Robert fell to his knees in tears as Bindi and Witney wrapped their arms around him.
The powerful tribute earned Robert his highest score yet and the first perfect 40 of the season, mirroring Bindi’s own perfect score from her winning season nearly a decade ago.
“Tonight was healing. This dance was emotional, beautiful and so deeply meaningful,” Robert later wrote on Instagram. “I carry Dad’s legacy with me in everything I do, and it was a privilege to dedicate our foxtrot to him.”
He also thanked his sister and partner for their support.
“Thank you @bindisueirwin for inspiring us with your freestyle to this song,” he wrote, “and thank you @witneycarson for once again choreographing such a beautiful story through dance and for creating a space for me to convey raw emotions that I’ve never gotten to share before.”
Robert ended his reflection by honouring the mission that continues to drive him.
“I’m a proud Wildlife Warrior, and I’ll always carry on my dad’s mission,” he added. “I’m so grateful that I can do that in the ballroom.”
