- Robert Irwin wears his late father Steve Irwin’s old shirt before every Dancing with the Stars performance.
- He describes the pre-show ritual as a “good luck charm” that “feels like a big hug.”
- Irwin had the tattered shirt repaired, preserving the tears and holes that he says “tell another story.”
- Along with the shirt, he wears a special ring made from keys to his childhood home to stay connected to his family’s legacy.
Robert Irwin is keeping his father’s memory alive on the dance floor, revealing a heartwarming pre-show ritual he performs before every Dancing with the Stars taping. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist shared in a recent social media video that he wears his late father Steve Irwin’s shirt for good luck.
A Father’s Legacy on the Dance Floor
In a heartfelt Instagram clip, Irwin explained that what started as a tribute for his debut performance has become a weekly tradition. “Every show day on Dancing with the Stars, I have two good luck charms that I bring with me,” he said, noting the rituals keep him “close to home and what’s most important to me.”
The most significant charm is one of his dad’s old shirts. Before he steps out in his costume, Irwin wears the shirt during his initial rehearsals. “It just keeps me close to home, keeps me close to him,” he shared. “It just feels like a big hug every time I put it on.”
More Than Just a Shirt
The shirt itself holds deep sentimental value. Irwin explained that he found it while going through his father’s belongings. It was “absolutely tattered and had holes and all sorts in it, missing buttons.” Instead of leaving it, he had it professionally repaired.
“I went and got it all fixed up. New buttons attached. Everything all patched back up again and all the holes repaired,” he said. “I like that it still looks and feels like him.” For Robert, the imperfections are a beautiful reminder of his father’s adventurous life. “Each one of the tears and holes and missing buttons tells another story. And this shirt definitely saw a lot. I guess it’s a good example for how dad lived his life: At 100%.”
Keeping His Family Close
Irwin’s second good luck charm is a custom ring made from repurposed keys he found in his dad’s office. The keys were to his childhood home, and the ring is engraved with “1638,” representing the Australia Zoo’s address, 1638 Steve Irwin Way.
This tribute has not gone unnoticed. His mother, Terri Irwin, previously commented on a photo of him in the shirt, writing, “I love that you are wearing your dad’s shirt.”
For Robert, who was just two years old when his father died in 2006, these small acts are powerful ways to stay connected. “Every time I step out into the ballroom, I represent my message, my dad’s legacy, my home, my family. It is such an honor to get to do that.”