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‘I wish he was here’: Terri Irwin’s emotional admission as she reflects on losing her beloved Crocodile Hunter husband Steve

May 13, 2025

Late Aussie icon Steve Irwin tragically died almost two decades ago back in 2006.

And his widow Terri Irwin, 60, has opened up about their marriage and time together in an ”emotional” new interview with US Weekly. 

Terri, who has carried on her late husband’s legacy to save wildlife with their children Bindi and Robert Irwin in the years since his death, said she “wishes Steve was here”.

READ MORE: Bindi shares video from hospital bed after being rushed for emergency surgery hours before Steve Irwin Gala

Bindi Irwin, Steve Irwin, Terri Irwin

Terri told the publication during the joint interview with her kids: “My life is very full and very rich and every day, I wish Steve was here, but I’m so lucky.”

She added about their marriage: ”I think the best part [of our marriage] was just the fun and the adventure.

“He was just so passionate and so childlike with his enthusiasm for everything he did.”

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Steve tragically died in 2006 at 44 years of age after being pierced in the chest by a stingray on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.

His death sent shockwaves through the world at the time. He and Terri had married back in 1992.

In May last year, Terri spoke about being a single mum in the years following her husband’s shock death. 

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She said how their children Bindi and Robert gave her the “purpose, courage, and happiness” to carry on.

In a sweet Instagram post to acknowledge Mother’s Day, Terri said: “Being a mum is the best part of my life.”

Steve and Terri Irwin recall their 'love at first sight' meeting

“When Steve passed, it was not a burden being a single mum, it was actually my children that gave me purpose, courage, and happiness every day.

“Bindi and Robert are the reason I can stand strong, meet every challenge, and embrace every adventure.”

She finished: “As a mother, I am truly blessed.”

It comes after daughter Bindi shared a health update from hospital after having emergency surgery in the US before the Steve Irwin Gala.

READ MORE: Ashley Judd recalls her heartbreaking final conversation with mum Naomi in the minutes before her death

Terri Irwin

“I had my appendix removed. I also had 14 new endometriosis lesions that had to be removed. And they kindly stitched up my hernia as well,” she said, assuring fans she’s “on the road to recovery”.

Her brother Robert Irwin, 21, was left to hold the fort at the Gala, telling People Bindi had suffered a ruptured appendix, had undergone surgery and was “going to be OK.”

“She’s just come out the other side of endometriosis and now the appendix goes,” he explained.

“She came to Las Vegas and was ready to come to the gala, put on a brave face in a lot of discomfort and a lot of pain and said, ‘Nope, I’m just going to tough it out, I’m going to go for it’.

bindi irwin shares health update from hospital bed in the us where she was rushed for emergency surgery

“But the surgeon said, ‘No, your appendix is going. That thing’s gotta come out.’ Health has to come first.”

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