Robert Irwin remembers dad Steve on 20-year anniversary of death: ‘Your legacy is forever’
Robert Irwin paid tribute to dad Steve (Getty Images | Instagram/robertirwinphotography)
Robert Irwin has paid tribute to his father Steve Irwin, the legendary Australian environmentalist and TV star, on the 20th anniversary of his death.
Robert, a “proud” LGBTQ+ ally, posted a photo on Instagram, showing him as a small child sitting on dad Steve’s knee, gazing up at him with wonder.
In the caption, he wrote: “Your legacy is forever.”
Sister Bindi commented: “Always with us.” While their mum, Terri, wrote: “He loves you so much, Robert.”
Bindi shared her own tribute too, saying: “The world lost the most passionate and dedicated wildlife conservationist,” adding: “Our family lost our superhero. My mum lost the love of her life; my brother and I lost the greatest dad.”
She shared that her five-year-old daughter watches his nature shows “every morning” and “feels utterly loved by her ‘grandpa crocodile’ without ever having met him”.
Steve Irwin’s legacy
Steve Irwin was known around the world as the “Crocodile Hunter”, thanks to his nature documentaries and role as co-owner of Australia Zoo, which was founded by his parents.
He tragically died on 4 September, 2006 while filming a documentary in the Great Barrier Reef. A stingray barbed him in the chest while he was filming, and it is believed to be the only death caused by a stingray to have been captured on video.
Fans around the world were devastated by his death, with a public memorial broadcast live with more than 300million viewers.
His family have kept his legacy going strong with their work in conservation and at Australia Zoo.
Both Bindi and Robert have gone on to work in America, competing on Dancing With The Stars in 2015 and 2025, respectively – both of them winning their series, too.
Robert went on to host spin-off Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro.
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