In a heartfelt tribute, Robert Irwin has praised his mother, Terri, for her incredible strength and grace following the untimely death of his father, the legendary Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin.

Robert, now 21, was just two years old when his father passed away at the age of 44 in a heartbreaking accident involving a stingray. Reflecting on those formative years, he highlighted how Terri held the family together during such a tumultuous time.

In an interview with People magazine, Robert said, "We’ve been through so much together and always support each other. My mom is my greatest guiding light. She is the bravest, most steadfast, determined person I’ve ever known—truly an epitome of a great leader, a phenomenal mother, and a hero to us all."

He expressed admiration for how Terri, after losing the love of her life, managed to "pick up the pieces with such grace" while being a constant source of support for both him and his sister, Bindi.

Although Robert never fully experienced life with his father, he feels Steve's spirit lives on in his daily life. "Every conversation, every photograph reminds me of him. As I reach milestones he once did, I feel a deeper connection to him, just as if he’s still part of my journey," Robert shared.

As Robert continues to shine on the reality show, Dancing With The Stars, he plans to resume his passionate work as a conservationist afterward. He reflects on his upbringing without his father, stating that it profoundly taught him the fragility of life.

"Losing someone so significant at such a young age reinforced how precious life is. We never know what tomorrow brings, so it's essential to embrace calculated risks, have fun, and give our all to everything we do," he concluded, carrying forward his father's legacy of adventure and passion.