Terri Irwin has made a heartbreaking admission nearly 19 years after the tragic death of her husband, Steve Irwin, known to the world as “The Crocodile Hunter.” In a recent interview, she opened up about the enduring grief she still carries and the profound impact Steve’s loss has had on her life.
Terri shared that not a day goes by without thinking about Steve. She described the grief as something that never truly goes away, saying it walks beside her every day. Even after all these years, the pain is real and deep. “I still feel lonely for Steve,” she admitted, emphasizing that while she has continued living a meaningful life, there’s always an emptiness where he once stood.
She reflected on the overwhelming nature of Steve’s death in 2006, when he was killed by a stingray while filming a documentary in the Great Barrier Reef. At the time, their children, Bindi and Robert, were very young. Terri was left not only to mourn her husband but also to raise their kids and carry on their shared mission of wildlife conservation.
Despite the immense sorrow, Terri said she has never felt the need to date or find another partner. She called Steve her soulmate and said she had already found her “happily ever after.” According to her, love like theirs is rare and irreplaceable. While many have asked her over the years if she would ever consider finding love again, she has always responded that she’s content with the memories and legacy she shares with Steve.
Terri also expressed how she’s been able to find comfort in the people around her—her children, now grown, and her grandchildren. She said that while she’s technically “alone,” she doesn’t feel lonely. Her family, friends, and the animals she works with at Australia Zoo fill her life with purpose and love. She finds strength in honoring Steve’s memory through continuing the conservation work they started together.
She described the process of grieving as something unpredictable. Some days are harder than others, and the waves of sadness can still come suddenly. But over time, she’s learned how to carry the weight and live a full life despite the loss. She stressed the importance of being kind to oneself during grief and not rushing the healing process.
Terri’s candid words have touched many who admired her and Steve’s love story. Her resilience, honesty, and unwavering devotion have inspired countless people around the world. Even in her sorrow, she has remained a beacon of strength, holding tightly to her family, her mission, and the cherished memories of the man she called the love of her life.
Terri’s story is one of enduring love, strength, and the deep humanity that follows loss. Nearly two decades after Steve Irwin’s death, her heart still aches—but her life continues to reflect the passion and love they once shared.