Robert Irwin has always carried his father’s legacy with remarkable grace, but his recent reveal brought a new wave of emotion to fans. In a heartfelt video shared before a new week of competition, he explained the deeply personal ritual he follows while preparing for Dancing With the Stars. The clip struck a powerful chord, and many viewers said they were in tears before the first minute passed. His story offered a rare, intimate look into how he stays connected to family, memory, and purpose—an anchor that shapes every moment of Robert Irwin on DWTS.
According to Parade, Robert described the two good-luck charms he brings to the studio each week. His father’s shirt and a special ring crafted from melted keys of his childhood home both serve as reminders of everything that matters most to him. The ritual is simple, yet filled with meaning, and it has become an essential part of his journey on Robert Irwin DWTS.
Robert Irwin’s DWTS Ritual Begins With His Father’s Shirt
@robertirwin Part 1 – How I take a little piece of home into the ballroom on show day @Dancing with the Stars #DWTS ♬ Originalton – Sean
Robert began by sharing the story behind the shirt. He found it while going through his father’s belongings—tattered, worn, and full of history. Instead of keeping it in a drawer, he restored it, patching the holes and replacing the buttons while preserving all the character that made it unmistakably Steve Irwin’s. Every tear and frayed seam felt like a piece of his father’s life, lived with passion “at 100%,” as Robert described.
Every Tuesday, before wardrobe rehearsal, Robert wears the shirt for the first run-through of that week’s choreography. He says it feels like a hug, grounding him in home and memory. The reference article quoted him explaining that before anyone sees his performance, he has already danced it once in that shirt—a private moment that keeps him close to his dad. Fans responded with overwhelming emotion, saying they couldn’t watch without crying, touched by the sincerity of his routine on DWTS.
His Second Charm Honors Home and Legacy
In a follow-up clip, Robert shared the story behind the ring he wears. Made from melted keys of his childhood home, it carries the engraving “1638,” the address of Australia Zoo, and a symbolic link to the world Steve Irwin built. The ring reflects not just memory but also the continuation of a mission the whole Irwin family remains committed to.
Together, the ring and the shirt form more than a ritual—they create a bridge between past and present. Each week, as Robert Irwin’s DWTS performances unfold on the ballroom floor, he brings his father’s presence with him. Fans see the grace, the heart, and the devotion, and they feel the depth of what those symbols represent. Robert’s story continues to move viewers because it’s not just about dancing; it’s about honoring the legacy that shaped him and carrying it forward with joy and pride.