While many fans would think Robert Irwin would pay tribute to his dad, Steve Irwin, he has chosen his mum, Terri.

Robert Irwin has surprised fans with a Dancing With The Stars announcement no one expected. Photo: Instagram/robertirwinphotography

Robert Irwin will be honouring his mother, Terri Irwin, with his performance this week on Dancing With The Stars. It might be a surprising choice for ‘Dedication Night’, with many likely assuming he’d pay tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin.

Terri has been on the sidelines for Robert the last few weeks, throwing her support behind her youngest while he competes alongside professional dancer Witney Carson. Her eldest, Bindi Irwin, won the competition 10 years ago.

Terri shared that she was “incredibly honoured that Robert thought of me”.

“Steve and I always talked about how much it meant to us to be parents,” she wrote on Instagram.

“So much love. This will be a special night.”

Bindi agreed that the moment would be a beautiful one.

“My brother is dedicating his dance to our incredible mama,” she shared in her own post.

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A post shared by Terri Irwin (@terriirwincrikey)

“Raising us as a single parent so early on, and continuing Dad’s extraordinary legacy… She is the strongest woman I’ve ever known.”

Bindi said she couldn’t wait to see the dance.

Terri and Bindi, along with her husband, Chandler Powell, and their daughter, Grace, relocated to the US for Robert’s stint on the show.

Bindi told her fans that they had moved for three months, hoping Robert would make it all the way to the end and win the Mirrorball trophy, just like her.

It wouldn’t be too far-fetched, after all, Robert has been a Dancing With The Stars fan favourite.

The star has won fans worldwide with his dancing abilities and even managed to start the season with the highest score in the first week.

Throughout the competition, he has earned himself some respectable scores.

Robert and his Dancing With The Stars partner, Witney Carson. Photo: ABC

Last week, Robert and Witney scored 22 out of a possible 30 points for ‘Disney week’.

Many fans have hoped he and Witney might have a budding romance, especially given that the pair have enjoyed a few steamy dances together.

However, Robert has stated that Witney is like another protective older sister.

Witney is also married to her high school sweetheart, Carson McAllister, and the pair share two sons, Kevin Leo and Jet Carson.

Terri Irwin praised as ‘an inspiration for women’

Terri’s followers were quick to shower her with praise for the work she has put into raising her family, mostly solo.

“World’s best mum, no one else could have done what you did, and are still doing,” one follower wrote.

“Truly an inspiration for women all around.”

Bindi agreed that the moment will be a beautiful one. Photo: Instagram/bindisueirwin

“The way that Robert and Bindi have grown into such amazing young adults is a true testament to what a wonderful woman and mother you are,” another said.

“Oh okay, well I guess I’m crying on the internet again…what a beautiful living legacy you all are,” a third wrote.

“You have this quiet, natural way of showing what good motherhood looks like, not through words or perfection, but through love, patience, and strength,” someone else added.

“You’re a gentle reminder of what really matters.”

Others said they weren’t “emotionally ready” for the dance.

Robert’s performance on Dancing With The Stars will air on Wednesday, Australian time.