Few people in the world were quite as beloved as Steve Irwin. He was famous as the star of Crocodile Hunter, and his love of animals taught all of us a bit more about empathy and understanding. And while fans loved this animal icon, there were only a few people he truly loved, including his wife Terri and their two children.
Tragically, Steve Irwin died in 2006 due to a stingray injury. It was understandably difficult for fans to move on after he died, but it was nearly impossible for his surviving family. Recently, nearly two decades after his death, Steve’s wife Terri revealed a heartbreaking secret about life after her husband’s death.
What is Terri’s secret, and why is it sure to leave you crying nearly as much as Steve’s death? Keep reading to find out!
Steve Irwin fell in love immediately
The beautiful thing about falling in love is that every couple has their own story. For example, it often takes time for two people to realize what they mean to one another. For Steve Irwin, however, falling in love was as easy as opening his eyes.
He met Terri Irwin when she attended one of his famous crocodile demonstrations. On his show, Steve Irwin once described his feelings at this moment as “love at first sight.” As soon as he saw Terri, he knew he wanted to be with her forever. After getting married, this cute couple had two equally cute children: Bindi and Robert. Their love wasn’t meant to last, though, for the tragic reason that Steve Irwin died before his time.
Tragedy strikes the happy couple
Steve Irwin built a career on his ability to safely handle animals. Therefore, none of the cast or crew of the documentary Ocean’s Deadliest thought it was a big deal when he was handling a stingray in the Great Barrier Reef between scenes. However, what started out as a simple snorkeling trip ended up being the death of a television icon.
The stingray stung Irwin, piercing the man’s chest and damaging his heart. This caused massive trauma inside his body and extreme blood loss. Soon, the crew retrieved Irwin, performing CPR and rushing him to Low Island. By the time medical professionals made it to Irwin, though, all they could do was pronounce him dead.
Speculation about Terri Irwin finding love again
It’s almost impossible to describe how much Steve Irwin meant to the world. He was more than just some TV celebrity, and you could feel his love for animals and the natural world pouring out of him whenever he was onscreen. Those fans had a hard time moving on from Irwin’s shocking death, and some never got over it. And those still mourning Steve Irwin’s death have something in common with his wife Terri, who suddenly found herself a widow.
One of the most common questions at the time was whether Terri would ever find love again. After all, she was only 42 when Steve died, which certainly isn’t too old to remarry. Terri never did find someone else (more on this soon), but that didn’t keep people from shamelessly speculating about a certain celebrity.
It turns out that fellow Australian and famous movie actor Russell Crowe is a close family friend of the Irwins. He’s been sighted with Terri and has gushed praise about her in interviews, leading some to think they are secretly dating. However, Terri recently confirmed the heartbreaking reason why she never dated after Steve died and never will.
Why Steve Irwin’s widow will never date again
Terri Irwin has multiple reasons that she never dated after becoming a widow, and pretty much all of them are bittersweet. For example, as People reports, she recently declared, “I totally got my happily ever after.” This is a beautiful way to describe her relationship with Steve, but we can’t help but wish that the happy couple’s “ever after” had lasted a bit longer.
She also said what many of the Crocodile Hunter’s biggest fans were already thinking: “And while there are a lot of wonderful men in the world, can you see another Steve Irwin? I just can’t.” Another bittersweet message: she had already married the perfect guy, and it would be absolutely foolish for her to try to find anyone nearly as great as Steve.
Does this mean that Terri Irwin is lonely, though? Yes and no: according to her, “So I’m okay to be on my own now. And I’m lonely for Steve,” she said, “but I’m not a lonely person, so I’m very lucky.” In other words, she has remained “lonely” to honor her husband, but she is grateful for a family that keeps the sadness at bay. And with any luck, our own love for Terri and her beautiful family will help take the sting out of any future loneliness!