Nearly 19 years after the tragic death of Steve Irwin, the beloved “Crocodile Hunter,” his widow, Terri Irwin, has opened up about her enduring love for him in a poignant interview with Stellar Magazine. The 60-year-old conservationist, who lost Steve to a stingray barb in 2006, shared that she remains single and content, dispelling persistent rumors about her love life. Her candid words not only honor Steve’s legacy but also offer a powerful message about self-fulfillment and resilience for women everywhere.
A Love That Changed Everything
Terri and Steve Irwin’s story began in 1991 at the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, now Australia Zoo. Steve, then a passionate zookeeper, spotted Terri in the audience during a crocodile demonstration and knew instantly she was “the one.” “It was love at first sight,” he later shared on The Crocodile Hunter. Their 14-year marriage, filled with adventure and shared purpose, produced two children—Bindi, 26, and Robert, 21—who have carried forward their parents’ wildlife conservation mission.
When Steve died at 44, Terri was just 42, left to raise their children and continue their work at Australia Zoo. Despite the profound loss, she has kept Steve’s legacy alive, expanding the zoo and founding Wildlife Warriors, which has protected over 12 million hectares of habitat globally, per Australia Zoo’s 2024 Impact Report.
Terri’s Confession: ‘I Found My Happily Ever After’
In her April 2025 Stellar Magazine interview, Terri addressed speculation about finding love again, revealing she has no interest in dating. “I’m sure there’s a lot of lovely people out there, but I did find my happily ever after,” she said. Her honesty deepened as she humorously dismissed potential suitors: “Can you see another Steve Irwin? I’d be like, ‘I love that you’re a librarian and the Dewey Decimal System is cool, but I got to go jump a crocodile.’”
Terri’s words strike a chord: “I’m lonely for Steve, but I’m not lonely. I never mourn being on my own.” This distinction challenges societal expectations that equate fulfillment with partnership. She added a powerful message for women: “You are still amazing, fulfilled, incredible people—whether you never marry, have four kids, or no kids. There are no rules.”
Her daughter, Bindi, echoed this sentiment in a 2019 Access Hollywood interview, saying, “When you find your soulmate, you really don’t want to move on. Mom and Dad will always be married and together.” Bindi, now a mother to Grace Warrior, has praised Terri’s parenting, with Terri humbly noting, “Bindi is a way better mother than I ever was.”
Dispelling the Rumors: Russell Crowe and Beyond
Terri’s steadfast commitment to Steve hasn’t stopped rumors, particularly about actor Russell Crowe, 61. Crowe, a longtime friend who helped protect the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, sparked speculation with glowing praise in a 2016 interview: “Terri is one of the greatest women I’ve ever met.” However, Terri clarified on Access Hollywood that their bond is platonic, rooted in Crowe’s loyalty after Steve’s death. “You find out who your true friends are,” she said.
The rumors reached a humorous peak when Terri appeared on The Kyle and Jackie O Show in 2023, laughing off host Kyle Sandilands’ blunt question about her love life: “I have a lot of quiet evenings with a nice, big, juicy pizza.” Robert Irwin jokingly noted that his mom has been “linked to something like 30 people,” including King Charles, highlighting the absurdity of the gossip. Crowe, now engaged to Britney Theriot, remains a family friend, not a romantic partner.
A Legacy of Love and Conservation
Terri’s choice to remain single reflects her deep connection to Steve, whom she described as irreplaceable: “I really don’t think I would have married if I hadn’t met Steve.” Her focus remains on their shared mission. Australia Zoo, under her leadership, welcomed 700,000 visitors in 2024, per Tourism Australia, educating millions about wildlife. Bindi and Robert continue this work, with Robert’s Crikey! It’s the Irwins series reaching 10 million viewers globally, per Discovery Channel.
Terri’s story resonates beyond her personal loss. A 2023 Journal of Social Psychology study found that 65% of widows prioritize legacy-building over new relationships, mirroring Terri’s dedication. Her message empowers others to define happiness on their terms, whether through family, career, or passion.
Lessons from Terri’s Journey
Terri Irwin’s openness offers inspiration for anyone navigating grief or societal expectations. Here’s how to apply her wisdom:
- Embrace Your Truth: Define fulfillment on your terms, whether single, partnered, or parenting. Resources like GriefShare offer support for processing loss.
- Honor Loved Ones: Keep a loved one’s memory alive through meaningful actions, like volunteering or donating to causes they valued, such as Wildlife Warriors.
- Challenge Stereotypes: Reject pressures to “move on” or conform. Celebrate your unique path, as Terri does.
- Support Conservation: Visit Australia Zoo or support wildlife charities to continue Steve’s mission. Even small donations help protect endangered species.
Terri’s unwavering love for Steve, paired with her strength and humor, reminds us that happiness doesn’t require a new chapter—it can thrive in honoring the past while building a purposeful future.
What inspires you about Terri Irwin’s story? Share your thoughts or a favorite Steve Irwin memory in the comments below!
