‘My heart aches’: Terri Irwin’s heartfelt tribute to late husband Steve

Terri Irwin has penned a touching tribute to her late husband Steve on what would have been his 58th birthday, admitting she still misses him terribly, but is doing her best to celebrate life and the memories he left behind.

The Aussie icon, nicknamed “The Crocodile Hunter”, tragically died in September of 2006, from a stingray injury. However, his conservation work has not been forgotten, with his wife Terri and children Bindi and Robert continuing his legacy.

Now, in celebration of his birthday, the family has spoken out about the great man, with Terri leading the tributes on social media. Posting to her Twitter account, the mother-of-two said she still misses him every day, but is focusing on the good memories and enjoying the things he cherished.

Today would’ve been Steve’s 58th birthday. While my heart aches missing him every day, I’m determined to celebrate what he loved the most. He was happiest spending time @AustraliaZoo w/ @BindiIrwin & @RobertIrwin. He was my best friend, best dad, & built the best Zoo. I love you. pic.twitter.com/IWsoWuJqxY

— Terri Irwin (@TerriIrwin) February 22, 2020

“Today would’ve been Steve’s 58th birthday,” she wrote. “While my heart aches missing him every day, I’m determined to celebrate what he loved most. He was happiest spending time [at] @AustraliaZoo w/ @BindiIrwin and @RobertIrwin. He was my best friend, best dad and built the best zoo. I love you.”

Terri posted a series of photos alongside the sweet message, showing Steve’s joyous personality and love for life. In one snap the dad could be seen standing with an adorable, young Bindi on his shoulders smiling broadly, while in another he is laid down on the ground playing with a little Robert.

Meanwhile, Bindi also shared her own message for her father on his birthday on her Instagram account. Alongside a beautiful photo of herself as a youngster with Steve she explained what she did throughout the day to remember her dad.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B83lZSZhzTb/

“Dad, today is your birthday,” she wrote. “I had an extra strong cup of tea just how you liked it. I hugged mum for you and told her how much we love her. Robert and I went on a hike through the mountains you cherished.

“I watched one of your documentaries with Chandler and shared stories about you. I walked through your office in the zoo and smiled at our old photographs. Today and every day I miss you and love you beyond description. You’re always with me.”

The family weren’t the only ones to share messages for Steve, with fans from around the world penning tributes to the Aussie icon.

“What a great way to pay tribute to your dad on his special day,” @cphelan74 wrote on Bindi’s post. “We all loved him and feel for you to lose such a special part of your life.”

“So touching. He would be so proud of you and your mum and brother. You guys are life,” @jaytee112018 said. “He is in heaven taking care of all the animals that have died in the wild fires. Fly high,” @_.allegra_ added.