Robert Irwin’s Dance was remembered Dad and Dog’s Pain

Robert Irwin remembered Steve Irwin on DWTS, and his dog Stella underwent surgery.

Emotional pain spills onto the dance floor

These days, Robert Irwin is making waves on ABC’s popular dance show, “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS), with his partner, Witney Carson.

But this week hasn’t been all glitz and glamour for him, but rather deeply emotional and challenging.

While rehearsing for “Dedication Night,” Robert shared on social media that it’s been “a tough week.”

He was supposed to give a performance dedicated to his mother, Terri Irwin, but the preparations required him to navigate some of the most difficult emotions of his life.

Dancing for Mom and Memories of Dad

21-year-old Robert openly stated that this week he’s been exploring emotions he’s never shared publicly.

He deeply misses his father, the late Steve Irwin (known to the world as “The Crocodile Hunter”).

It’s been nearly two decades since Steve passed away—when Robert was just 3 years old.

Robert said he was thinking about his dad’s memories, his deep grief, and how his mother helped him cope.

This dance is not only for his mother, but for all mothers who don’t get the respect they deserve, and for everyone who has lost a loved one.

‘Devastating’ News: Dog Stella Has Cancer

After what had been a mentally taxing week, Robert received yet another devastating news: his pet dog, Stella, at home in Australia, had been diagnosed with cancer.

He revealed that a mass was found in Stella, which later turned out to be cancerous.

Stella has undergone surgery and is currently recovering, but Robert is still waiting to find out if the cancer has spread. Robert admitted it was “such a stressful time.”

Dance Becomes a Means of Healing

Despite all this, Robert said that this journey has been “really beautiful.” For him, dance is “the culmination of so much emotion.”

He also shared that being a part of DWTS makes him feel closer to his dad. He says, “Everything I do, I do to make him feel proud.”

Every detail of the dance, every energy, reminds him of his dad.

Robert hopes that his performance will help people heal, as it has helped him so much.

Robert’s vulnerability is truly touching. We hope Stella makes a full recovery soon and Robert reaches the DWTS finals!