Gone but never forgotten. Bindi Irwin paid tribute to her father, Crocodile Hunter host Steve Irwin, on the 10-year anniversary of his death with a sweet throwback photo on Saturday, September 3.
“You’ll be my hero for my entire existence. I love you more than words can describe,” the season 21 Dancing With the Stars champion, 18, captioned an Instagram shot of her late dad smiling while holding her up in one hand.
Steve’s wife, Terri Irwin, also took to social media over the weekend to honor her late husband on Australian Father’s Day.
“Happy Father’s Day Australia. Hug your dad,” Terri, 52, captioned a Twitter photo of Steve holding a young crocodile alongside his two children, Bindi and son Robert.
Happy Father’s Day Australia. Hug your dad. pic.twitter.com/8IASLcKruS
— Terri Irwin (@TerriIrwin) September 4, 2016
The beloved Australian wildlife expert died at age 44 in September 2006 after being pierced in the heart by a stingray while filming an underwater documentary about the deadliest sea animals.
Earlier this week, Steve’s parents, Bob and Lyn Irwin, honored their late son by sharing a heartfelt letter that he wrote to them at the age of 32. The handwritten note will be published in Bob’s forthcoming memoir, The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy.
“Probably one of the most unfortunate things in a ‘Bloke’s Life,’ is that it takes over 30 years to realize how essential you have been to build my character, my ethics and, most importantly, my ‘HAPPINESS,'” the letter read. “At 32, I am finally staring to figure it out, in good times and in bad — you were there; you’re [sic] strength and endurance to raise me will not go unrewarded. My love for you is my strength! For the rest of my life I will reflect on the unbelievably GREAT times we’ve shared and will continue to share. You’re my best friends!”
The Irwin family has carried on Steve’s legacy and continue to run the Australia Zoo.
