Widow Terri Irwin Talks About the Promise She Made to Her Husband Steve Irwin After His Death

Widow Terri Irwin Talks About the Promise She Made to Her Husband Steve Irwin After His Death
(Getty Images | Bradley Kanaris)
3/23/2020
Updated:
3/23/2020

In a touching interview, “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin’s widow, Terri, revealed a promise they had made to each before his death. The brave woman explained how she managed to move forward despite the pain of losing her husband. She also addressed some of the rumors in the media about her love life.

In a March 2020 interview with Courier Mail, the woman opened up about her life since her husband’s death.

After her husband’s tragic accident, the widow said she had a pact to keep. “We had a deal that if he died first, I would keep everything going, so it was never really: ‘Am I going to do this?’ but it was, ‘Oh my goodness, I am actually going to have to do this,’” she explained. She did, however, say that she was “so afraid” at the time.

©Getty Images | <a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/the-crocodile-hunter-steve-irwin-poses-with-a-three-foot-news-photo/1129397">Justin Sullivan</a>
©Getty Images | Justin Sullivan

Steve, the well-known and beloved Australian TV personality and wildlife expert, sadly passed away in September 2006 from a stingray attack while filming a documentary. He left behind his wife, Terri Irwin, and two children.

Dealing with her loss wasn’t easy at all for her. “No matter the circumstances are that you lose someone, nobody’s truly prepared Steve’s accident was so unexpected, it was extremely challenging,” she told People in 2018.

Over the years, Terri Irwin’s achievements are nothing short of impressive. She managed to put together the Australian Zoo Wildlife Hospital and built the African Savannah at the Australia Zoo. She also continued working in television, while using part of the money to fund her wildlife conservation projects. Thirteen years on, Irwin believes she achieved everything they had planned.

©Getty Images | <a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/steve-irwin-poses-with-his-family-at-australia-zoo-june-19-news-photo/77794215">Australia Zoo</a>
©Getty Images | Australia Zoo
Terri Irwin attends as Animal Planet celebrates "Crikey! It's the Irwins" on Oct. 19, 2018, in New York City. (©Getty Images | <a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/terri-irwin-attends-as-animal-planet-celebrates-crikey-news-photo/1052554252">Monica Schipper</a>)
Terri Irwin attends as Animal Planet celebrates "Crikey! It's the Irwins" on Oct. 19, 2018, in New York City. (©Getty Images | Monica Schipper)

She also touched upon the multiple romances the media had tried to pin on her. “I have kept track because it’s kind of funny … Let’s see, apparently, it’s all the Hogans—that’s Paul and Hulk; Russell Crowe, and most recently, it’s Richard Wilkins,” she said. However, she added that the most “flattering” is Crowe.

She went on to explain that while nothing is going on between them romantically, she considers him “a very good friend of the family.” “I actually do really love him because he loved Steve and they were such good friends,” she added.

Steve Irwin being honored posthumously with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (©Getty Images | <a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/hollywood-chamber-of-commerce-president-ceo-leron-gubler-news-photo/951579562">David Livingston</a>)
Steve Irwin being honored posthumously with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (©Getty Images | David Livingston)

In her interview with People from 2018, she went into further details about staying single since her husband’s passing. “I think it’s wonderful when people who have lost someone find love again, but I’m not personally looking, and I haven’t been on a date in 27 years,” she said. Irwin then explained she was happy with her life as it was, and a new romance was not on the cards for her. “But I’m content. I have two beautiful kids, a really full plate. I’ve already had my happily ever after,” she added.

Life and death may have tested this brave woman. She has done her utmost to honor her late husband and his legacy and keep the promise she made to him. “You can’t focus on yourself. You need to focus on what you’re doing for others, and then you can start to heal,” she poignantly added.

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