Robert Irwin Emotional, Admits ‘Tough Week’ Ahead Of ‘DWTS’ Tribute
DWTS contestant Robert Irwin had a “tough week” of rehearsals on the dance competition. He got emotional while speaking out about the tribute he has planned on the show’s Dedication Night. Keep reading to find out who he is dedicating his dance to. The answer may surprise you.
DWTS Gives Contestants A Chance To Get Vulnerable
Dancing With The Stars is usually a fun reality competition that features celebrities showing off their dance moves. Aside from the eliminations at the end, the show is mostly uplifting and positive. Except on one night.
One episode every season is set aside for the celebrities to open up about a time or person that changed their lives. The Dedication Night dances happen on Season 34 on Tuesday, October 14.
The eleven remaining contestants dance their hearts out to one person who has had major influence on their lives. This year’s DWTS dedications are:
- Jen Affleck is dedicating the routine to her mother, Maria.
- Jordan Chiles is dedicating the routine to her father, Timothy.
- Alix Earle is dedicating the routine to her younger sister Izabel.
- Dylan Efron is dedicating the routine to his little sister, Olivia.
- Danielle Fishel is dedicating the routine to “Boy Meets World” co-star Bill Daniels (Mr. Feeny).
- Elaine Hendrix is dedicating the routine to her best friend and “The Parent Trap” co-star, Lisa Ann Walter (Chessy).
- Scott Hoying is dedicating the routine to his husband, Mark.
- Whitney Leavitt is dedicating the routine to her husband, Connor.
- Andy Richter is dedicating the routine to his daughter, Cornelia.

In a move that might surprise fans, Robert Irwin is dedicating the routine to his mother, Terri Irwin.
Robert Irwin Admits ‘Tough Week’ Ahead Of Emotional Tribute
Robert Irwin’s father, Steve Irwin, left behind a wonderful family legacy. He was killed in 2006 by a stingray while filming underwater for his TV show. Bindi Irwin dedicated her dance to their father during Season 21.
While his father had a lasting impact, Robert Irwin’s mother was there to console him and guide him through life after losing his dad. The DWTS contestant’s mom and sister have routinely traveled to Los Angeles, California, to cheer him on.
They will undoubtedly be in the audience during his dedication dance. In an emotional TikTok video, Robert Irwin admitted it was a “tough week” of rehearsals leading up to Tuesday’s life show.
“I’ve been sort of tapping into emotions that I haven’t really gotten to share before — certainly not publicly,” he confessed.
@robertirwin Tough week. Emotional week. Beautiful week. Tuesday night is going to be a special moment.
The DWTS frontrunner added, “I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad, I’ve been thinking a lot about the highs and the lows, the grief, the way my mom has helped me navigate that.”
September marked the 19th anniversary of his father’s death.
Robert Irwin’s heightened emotional state wasn’t just about his dad, though. He revealed on social media that the family received bad news about his beloved dog.
It’s going to be an emotional night for the contestants and the audience tonight on DWTS. You won’t want to miss the dedication dances.
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