DWTS frontrunner Robert Irwin will step onto the ballroom floor on Tuesday, October 14, with a tribute he’s been building toward all week: a dedication to his mother, Terri Irwin. In the days leading up to Week 5’s “Dedication Night,” the wildlife conservationist shared that it has been “an emotional week in rehearsals,” and that the routine is for his mum and for “all the strong mothers of the world.”
Backstage during Disney Night, he confirmed that the dance will honor Terri—“someone who is just always there for me”—and said he was “very, very grateful” to be working with pro partner Witney Carson to “honor her and the legacy that she has created.” Terri added, “I’m incredibly honoured that Robert thought of me.”
@robertirwin Tough week. Emotional week. Beautiful week. Tuesday night is going to be a special moment.
What Robert shared from rehearsals
Robert wrote that it’s been “an emotional week in rehearsals,” reflecting on his mum’s “strength,” how she kept his late father, Steve Irwin, present in his life, and that “this dance is for my mum… and for anyone who’s lost someone.” He also shared that his dog Stella had surgery after a cancerous mass was found, calling the update “a tough one,” and saying it’s been “stressful” to train while away from her, though she is “doing ok post-surgery… one tough cookie.”
When to watch
Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu. Week 5 (“Dedication Night”) falls on Tuesday, October 14.
What Witney Carson and Terri Irwin bring to the tribute
Witney Carson, Robert’s pro partner, is shaping the routine with the sensitivity that “Dedication Night” demands. Robert’s own rehearsal captions spotlight Carson’s role in channeling the story he wants to tell. The pair has already built trust across the season, with Week 4 practice clips capturing how they translate real-life emotion into choreography.
For Terri, the dedication is as personal as it gets. Her post—“I’m incredibly honoured that Robert thought of me”—makes it clear this is not simply a television moment but a family milestone. It also connects to the ongoing legacy of Steve Irwin that has been present throughout Robert’s life and career.
Snapshot
- Robert Irwin — dedicating Week 5 to Terri Irwin.
- Witney Carson — professional partner shaping the tribute.
- Terri Irwin — honoree who said she is “incredibly honoured.”
Note: This list reflects the names and roles specifically cited in the sources used for this report. If additional cast, judges, or family attendees are confirmed by the show in official materials, BuddyTV will update this snapshot accordingly.
Why this DWTS dedication matters
“Dedication Night” historically invites competitors to place their personal stories at the center of a routine. In Robert’s case, that story is inseparable from Terri’s presence in his life, as he described it: a mother whose “strength” and stewardship kept his dad “part of my life.” Those words do more than set a tone; they outline the arc viewers can expect—gratitude, remembrance, and recognition of mothers’ unseen work.
The tribute also lands amid the stress of training while he worries about Stella’s health. The pairing of those emotions—thanks to Terri and concern for Stella—explains why Robert repeatedly called rehearsals “emotional” and why he framed the routine as being for anyone coping with loss. It’s the kind of convergence that often produces DWTS’s most resonant performances, not for technical flash alone but for the lived experience underlying every step.
What Robert has already revealed—and what comes next
Beyond the dedication itself, Robert has teased the routine through rehearsal clips and photos, emphasizing how meaningful it feels to get the storytelling right. He has also spoken publicly, in a backstage conversation, about the decision to honor Terri now, calling it a tribute to “someone who is just always there for me.” That intention—thanked in real time by Terri—suggests a performance where emotion drives every choice.
As viewers tune in on October 14, the context is simple and powerful: a son honoring his mother, voiced in his own words, supported by a partner ready to channel that story into choreography. Whatever the scores, “Dedication Night” gives Robert the space to do what he says he wants most—to recognize “all the strong mothers of the world.”
DWTS takeaway
With DWTS continuing its live run on ABC and Disney+, this Week 5 dedication stands out because every piece of it—Robert’s captions, Terri’s reply, the backstage confirmation—aligns on one theme: gratitude. The most telling lines are the shortest. “It has been an emotional week,” he wrote. “This dance is for my mum.” And on Tuesday, October 14, that’s the story he will bring to the ballroom.
View this post on Instagram
With a collective experience in film analysis and entertainment journalism, our team, comprised of avid movie buffs, has always been on the frontline of exploring cinematic universes, from the enchanting realms of Disney to the action-packed scenes of the MCU.
Our passion has led us to exclusive interviews with notable figures, early access, and active participation in the industry.
Recognized by the press, we dive deep into various genres, including drama, cartoons, comedy, and foreign films, always eager to bring fresh insights to our readers.
Connect with us or explore our journey to learn more about our adventures in unraveling the magic of the big screen.
