Robert Irwin Reveals What It’s Like Dating in the Public Eye: ‘Holy Moly’

Robert Irwin, who is currently competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on this season of Dancing With the Stars, has lived his entire life in the public eye.

The Australian conservationist, 21, spoke to the New York Times in an interview published Sunday, November 23, about what it’s like being part of the famous Irwin family.

“I never change what I say, what I do, who I am one bit, wherever I am,” said Robert, who was 2 years old when his famous father, Steve Irwin, died from an injury caused by a stingray.

“It’s just me,” Robert added, “and I stand by who I am.”

When it comes to relationships and dating as a public figure, the I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here co-host simply said, “Holy moly, that’s so challenging to navigate,” especially when “anything you do will be on TikTok the next day.”

Robert was previously linked to Rorie Buckey, the niece of late actor Heath Ledger, but told People earlier this year that he is single. “It’s funny,” he told the publication in April, “I’m at this point in my life where I’m like, I’m so open to that, but I’m just waiting for the stars to align.”

Even though he shared minimal details with the Times about his dating life, he did tell the publication that he’s not one to hide his emotions.

“I strongly believe that life is too short not to wear your heart on your sleeve,” he said. “When you lose someone important early on, it reaffirms the fact that life is so fleeting. You owe it to yourself to find your passion and to pursue it.”

While Robert currently has no romantic ties, his sister, Bindi Irwin, has been married to Chandler Powell since March 25, 2020. One year later, on the couple’s first wedding anniversary, Bindi gave birth to their daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell.

“Interestingly, my parents [Steve and mom Terri Irwin], my sister Bindi met her husband here — everyone met here at our wildlife sanctuary,” he previously told People, adding that he’s “waiting for that American tourist to come into the zoo and for it all to happen!”

“I look at the couple goals in my life,” he said. “I look at when my brother-in-law Chandler and my sister Bindi met, it was just meant to be. And when my mom and dad met, it was this crazy serendipitous, amazing moment that just was a fluke.”