Robert Irwin is making waves on Dancing with the Stars, but it’s not just his dance moves that have people talking. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist just shared who his biggest role model is—and his heartfelt answer has the internet in tears.

In a video shared by Entertainment Tonight, Irwin opened up about dedicating an upcoming dance to his mother, Terri Irwin. His words about the woman who raised him and his sister Bindi after their father Steve’s tragic death in 2006 reveal everything about the family’s incredible bond.

“If there’s one person in my life who has truly shaped who I am, it’s my mom,” Robert said. “My mom has kept our whole family together through thick and thin, through all the ups and downs. She’s just this constant, this stable, strong individual.”

Terri Irwin, Bindi and Robert IrwinPhoto by Dave Hunt/Pool/Getty Images

Robert Irwin’s Tribute to His Mother Shows What Terri Irwin Means to Him

But Robert didn’t stop at calling his mother strong. He went deeper, highlighting the qualities that make her his ultimate inspiration.

“The thing I love about mum is that she’s so strong but also vulnerable and she’s funny, just everything I’d want to be in a person,” he explained. “Lets it out all and really leads by example.”

His dance partner on the show, Witney Carson, was visibly moved by his words. “I hope my son says that about me. I love that,” she responded.

Robert then showed his characteristic kindness by immediately praising Carson’s parenting. He paused mid-conversation to compliment how she manages multiple dance routines while bringing her kids to rehearsals. “You do it with incredible grace. So, seriously, it’s very impressive,” he told her.

Robert Irwin, Witney Carson Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images

The tribute is especially touching given that Robert’s older sister Bindi previously dedicated her Dancing with the Stars performance to their late father Steve. Now, Robert is shining a spotlight on their mother, creating a beautiful symmetry that honors both parents.

Why Does Terri Irwin Deserve This Recognition?

Fans flooded the comments with praise for both Robert and Terri. Many pointed out that while Steve Irwin‘s legacy is widely celebrated, Terri’s contributions often go under appreciated outside the family.

“Everybody forgets that Ms. Terri was standing 10 toes with her man on nature conservation and has done the damn thing this whole time WHILE raising two amazing kids,” one commenter wrote.

Robert Irwin, Terri Irwin and Bindi IrwinPhoto by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Born in Eugene, Oregon, in 1964, Terri developed her passion for wildlife early. By age 20, she was running her family business while operating a wildlife rehabilitation organization called Cougar Country, caring for more than 300 animals annually.

Her life changed during a 1991 holiday to Australia, where she met Steve at the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park. They married on June 4, 1992, and immediately began filming wildlife documentaries together.

After Steve’s death, Terri took over Australia Zoo and continued every conservation project he started. She achieved Australian citizenship in 2009 and received an Honorary Member in the Order of Australia for her dedication to wildlife conservation. She’s won numerous awards, become a grandmother to Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, and continues expanding the family’s conservation legacy.

The Irwin Family Legacy Lives On Through Terri’s Strength

Robert, born Dec. 1, 2003, has followed in both parents’ footsteps. He’s a wildlife photographer, TV presenter and passionate conservationist who lives at Australia Zoo with his family. He’s been named a Global Ambassador for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize and co-hosts I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

The overwhelming response to Robert’s tribute shows how much people admire the entire Irwin family. Fans called for Terri to receive lifetime achievement awards and write parenting books about raising her remarkable children.

“It’s evident that he was raised by a woman with elegance, grace and power. He’s a beautiful person,” one fan observed.

As one commenter perfectly summed up: “The Irwins are the best, kindest, loving people on the planet!”