Steve Irwin died when Robert was just two years old, but he continues to shape the life of the now-21-year-old.

Robert Irwin breaks down talking about how he is continuing his late-father Steve's legacy. Picture: Instagram/The Viall Files

Robert Irwin breaks down talking about how he is continuing his late-father Steve’s legacy. Picture: Instagram/The Viall Files

Robert Irwin has broken down as he opened up about the message his father Steve has sent beyond the grave and how it’s shaped his life. The 21-year-old recalled watching a video where The Crocodile Hunter said he wanted to create a “legacy” that his children could continue.

The 21-year-old, who is capturing hearts around the globe during his campaign on Dancing With The Stars, said it was a message he made clear “years before he passed” that continued to drive his passion for Australia Zoo.

“For me watching that, it’s like he gave me this gift — it’s there, it’s material, it’s in writing,” Robert said on the podcast The Viall Files.

“I’m watching him looking through the camera and telling me ‘I’m not always gonna be here’.”

Robert’s voice cracks but he regathers, stating his father was telling him that he was “creating something that you can continue and that’s what I want you to do”.

“That’s what I get to do now and it fills me with a lot of pride,” Robert said.

Steve died in September 2006 at the age of 44 from an injury caused by a stingray while filming an underwater documentary in the Great Barrier Reef.

Robert was just two years old. His sister Bindi was eight and the pair were homeschooled on the Australia Zoo site.

 

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The famous siblings have remained a big part of the zoo and Robert often speaks about the significant role he plays in his life.

From his mannerisms, to his energetic passion for wildlife and nature — you can see so much of Steve in Robert.

Emotional tribute to mother Terri Irwin

The admission comes after he brought fans to tears with his latest performance on DWTS, where he paid tribute to his mother, Terri.

The 21-year-old decided to put the spotlight on his mum for Dedication Night, revealing the impact she made by keeping his late father Steve a part of his life.

A visibly emotional Robert and Terri cried as they embraced on the stage.

Watch Robert Irwin’s Dancing With The Stars performance here

Prior to the dance, Robert and Terri both spoke about how losing Steve made it “difficult to smile again for quite a while”.

“This is a moment with my mum that I’ll cherish forever, and I know my dad would be so proud,” he said.

Robert ended up receiving a total of 35 points from the judges, which included Aussie dancer and two-time mirrorball champion Kym Johnson as a special guest.

This marked his highest score all season and secured his spot in next week’s episode.

Terri and Robert Irwin on DWTS.

Robert received a score of 35 for his emotional routine. Photo: Disney+

Robert’s emotionally charged revelation about Terri

Robert recently shared a post on Instagram revealing that it was “an emotional week in rehearsals” as he had been thinking a lot about his mum and her strength.

“I’ve been reminiscing on the times we’ve spent as a family and how she has kept my dad part of my life,” he wrote.

“This dance is for my mum, it’s for anyone who’s lost someone… and it’s for all the strong mothers of the world who deserve our recognition and appreciation.”

The post was flooded with supportive messages, including a sweet comment from Terri herself.

“I love you forever and always. Together we are strong,” she said.