The 21-year-old conservationist is set to compete on this year’s Dancing With The Stars

Robert Irwin has got everyone all emotional with his newest heartwarming comments about his late dad, Steve Irwin, including how he plans to keep his ‘legacy alive’.

The adored Crocodile Hunter star passed away aged just 44 years old on 4 September, 2006, which also happens to be Father’s Day in Australia.

His tragic death was unexpected and was caused by an unprovoked attack from a stingray while the wildlife conservationist was filming an underwater documentary in the Great Barrier Reef.

Steve’s children Robert and Bindi, who were just two and eight when he died, have both followed in their father’s footsteps and become animal conservationists themselves.

Now 27, Bindi is the CEO of Australia Zoo, while 21-year-old Robert is paving his way as a nature photographer and TV presenter.

And most recently, he’s been announced as one of the celebrities hitting the ballroom for the latest series of Dancing With The Stars, alongside dance partner Witney Carson.

Robert Irwin has explained how he plans to keep his dad’s legacy alive during his time on Dancing With The Stars (instagram/@robertirwinphotography)

In a new interview with PEOPLE, he was quizzed on what his dad would think about his decision to take part in the show, which kicks off on Tuesday, September 16.

The reporter asked: “I was a big fan of your dad’s, what do you think he would say about this?”

Robert laughed as he honestly answered: “I dunno. I have no idea. Crikey. All of the rhinestones and the glitter and all of that. It was a lot.”

He continued: “But I think, he always said, it was really funny, he’s always go ‘I don’t care if people remember me. I want people to remember my message and what I stand for.’

“And I think people remember his message and him. I mean he just showed what it was to truly live life and above anything else he was just the greatest dad.”

Robert emotionally added: “You know always there for us. And I just hope to keep his legacy alive, his spirit, his sense of love for life.

“So if I can bring that kind of energy into the ballroom and honour him and his legacy then I’ve done my job. That’s all I’ll be trying to do, make him proud.”

Robert was just two years old when his father Steve Irwin unexpectedly died (instagram/@robertirwinphotography)

Fans have rushed to the comments of the Instagram video to wish Robert luck, with one user writing: “So inspiring! Robert Irwin carrying on his fathers incredible legacy.”

A second added: “He is one of the greatest losses, he children are just like him so it’s like he never left, what a great family. I rooted for Bindi now rooting for Robert.”

Robert has big shoes to fill, as his big sister Bindi actually won the show back in 2015, when she was partnered with professional Derek Hough.

Reacting to her little brother signing up to the show, she took to Instagram with a heartfelt message once the news was shared with the world.

Bindi wrote: “Robert, you are going to absolutely shine in the ballroom. I wish I could express the magnitude of how proud I am of you and everything you have achieved.

“Can’t wait to cheer you on each week as you inspire so many with your strength, kindness and determination. Here’s to an extraordinary journey ahead.”

Featured Image Credit: instagram/@robertirwinphotography