Robert Irwin Reveals What His Dad Steve Irwin Would Say About His ‘DWTS’ Win

Robert Irwin is feeling all the emotions after winning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing With the Stars—and he says there’s one person whose reaction means everything to him: his late father, Steve Irwin.

“So much gratitude… I can’t believe it.”

Right after being crowned champion, Robert could barely hold back tears.

“I’m crying so much,” he admitted, lifting the trophy with visible disbelief.
“There’s just so much gratitude and so much emotion. I’m so overwhelmed… I can’t believe it.”

Robert, who has dreamed of joining DWTS for a decade, said the journey was terrifying but deeply meaningful.

“I wanted to follow in Bindi’s footsteps,” he shared, recalling his sister’s Season 21 win.
“When she lifted that trophy, she lifted the message we represent—the conservation legacy, the legacy of my dad. To keep that going is the honor of my lifetime.”

A new big sister: “Whitney has healed a part of me.”

Robert also paid emotional tribute to his partner and now Mirrorball co‑champion, Whitney Carson, whom he calls “another older sibling.”

Whitney was equally emotional, praising Robert’s kindness and spirit:

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving. He’s so pure to the core. I wanted this so badly for him… I’m so proud to hold this trophy next to him.”

Robert went on to say that Whitney has become one of his greatest inspirations.

“She balances every facet of life—being a mom, being there for her family, being a friend—even under extreme pressure,” he said.
“She’s given me an avenue to tell my story in a way I never have before. She’s helped to heal a part of me that I’ve never been able to heal. I’ll forever be grateful.”

What would Steve Irwin say? Robert answers with one word.

When asked what his dad would say if he could witness this moment, Robert didn’t hesitate.

“One word,” he replied. “Crikey.”

The room erupted in emotion as Robert and Whitney embraced, overwhelmed with joy and tears.

A legacy carried forward

Robert has long spoken about wanting to honor his father’s spirit through his work, and the Mirrorball win is another milestone in continuing the Irwin family mission.

“It’s been the best experience,” he said, still holding the trophy tightly.
“And I know he’d be right here saying, ‘Crikey, you did it.’”