Robert Irwin has nothing but love and admiration for his mother, Terri Irwin.
The 21-year-old conservationist is the son of the late Crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, opened up in an interview about his mother’s strength and resilience PEOPLE after Dancing with the stars‘ Dedication evening on Tuesday, October 14.
Robert, who performed in honor of his 61-year-old mother, praised her continued support following the tragic death of his father, Steve Irwin, who died aged 44 in a stingray-related incident.
“I think when you grow up, there are certain things as a kid that you don’t realize. I mean, a credit to my mom, I never felt like I was ever missing out on anything in my life,” Robert shared.
Now that he’s older, Robert says he fully appreciates how strong his mother was during those difficult times.
“She had to move on, not only to continue the legacy my father started with her, but also to raise us as children,” he continued.
Robert’s heartfelt tribute came after a moving performance with his dance partner Witney Carson to Phil Collins’ ‘You’ll Be in My Heart’, dedicated to his mother Terri.
