Bindi Irwin broke down in tears as she paid an emotional tribute to her late father Steve on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday.
More than a decade after his tragic death, The Crocodile Hunter was honoured with a Hollywood Star – and his name now lies amid some of the biggest names in showbiz, movies and politics. Steve was killed by a stingray while filming a documentary in 2006 at the age of 44. His family has gone on to expand Australia Zoo in his memory, and continue his life’s legacy of caring for animals.
Bindi was joined at the unveiling ceremony by her mum Terri, 53, brother Robert, 14, and boyfriend Chandler Powell, 21, as she took to the stand to give a short speech to fans.
“I’m going to get a little bit emotional because it’s such a special day,” she said, before sobbing and hugging her mum. “I have to tell you that I never in my wildest dreams imagined that this would become a reality, and this is such an honour as a family to continue in dad’s footsteps. So thank you for being here today and supporting us.”
She added: “And you know what? We’ll always be a family. So congratulations and woohoo.”
Meanwhile, Terri encouraged Steve’s fans to follow his “love of everything,” with some touching words about their time together.
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However, it was Bindi’s words afterwards that really struck a chord with many, as she told Entertainment Tonight: “I just cried through the whole time I was speaking. It’s something where, I don’t think a lot of people realise how emotional it is.”
She added: “It’s been over 10 years now, and the grief is always going to be there, but I think now, it’s moving forward and remembering everything dad worked so hard for. And this is a celebration of his life and it’s always going to be emotional, but I think these are just happy and proud tears. We miss him so much.”
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While an emotional Terri vowed to continue her husband’s work, Robert paid tribute to his “hero” mum – thanking her for “supporting us through everything.”
Bindi shared a photo with her mum and brother afterwards, and wrote on Instagram: “I’ll remember today forever. Such an emotional moment and beautiful chapter in our lives.”
She also shared an old family snap of them all with Steve, before his death, taking a moving trip down memory lane ahead of the ceremony.