As Robert Irwin prepares to step into the ballroom spotlight for Dancing With the Stars season 34, he’s carrying more than nerves and rehearsed routines — he’s carrying the legacy of his sister, Bindi Irwin. Nearly a decade ago, Bindi stunned the world with her victory in season 21 alongside Derek Hough, cementing her place in the show’s history. Now, Robert admits that her triumph both inspires and haunts him as he gears up for his debut on September 16, 2025.
The pressure is undeniable. Robert was just a young teenager when he sat in the audience watching his sister pour her heart onto the dance floor in 2015. For him, Bindi wasn’t just competing — she was channeling their late father, Steve Irwin, and showing the world the Irwin family’s spirit. “I was the proudest little brother in the world,” Robert told E! News. “That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m doing this. To honor her, to honor my family, and to make it my own.”
Robert’s partner for the season, Witney Carson, has already seen the weight he carries, but also the spark that fuels him. In a recent behind-the-scenes clip, Robert admitted Bindi had given him some advice that stuck: “Just try and give it your all, but enjoy and make it your own.” For Robert, those words are more than guidance — they’re a lifeline, a reminder that while Bindi’s win looms large, he doesn’t have to replicate her journey. He can write his own story.
But Bindi didn’t stop there. In a surprise video message aired during the Good Morning America cast reveal, she doubled down on her support. “This is going to change your entire life, and you are going to remember this forever,” she told her brother. “I am so proud of you. Let your personality shine and you’ve got this!” The heartfelt words left Robert visibly moved, giving fans a glimpse into the unbreakable sibling bond that has carried the Irwins through triumph and tragedy alike.
The moment sparked an outpouring online. Fans flooded social media with admiration for the family’s love, calling the sibling exchange “pure gold” and “the heart of the Irwins.” For many, it wasn’t just about dance — it was about watching the next chapter of a legacy unfold, one that has always balanced public spotlight with deeply personal meaning.
Still, Robert has been candid about the shadow Bindi’s legacy casts. Her DWTS win was iconic, and stepping into the same arena means inevitable comparisons. But instead of letting it overwhelm him, Robert sees it as fuel. “Watching her light up the ballroom was the most incredible thing,” he said. “I want to honor that while finding my own way.”
As rehearsals intensify and the countdown to premiere night begins, fans can’t help but wonder if the show might bring another Irwin family surprise — perhaps even a brother-sister dance routine that would mark a full-circle moment. Whether or not that happens, one thing is clear: Robert is ready to face the weight of expectation with courage, guided by his sister’s words and his own determination.
For now, all eyes are on September 16, when Robert Irwin takes his first steps onto the DWTS stage. And while the ghost of season 21 may haunt him, his story — shaped by family, resilience, and heart — is only just beginning.
