Bindi Irwin is living her best life. The conservationist has been capturing hearts across the world since she first appeared on TV at the age of 2 alongside her late father, Steve “The Crocodile Hunter” Irwin.
Bindi went on to land her own show, Bindi the Jungle Girl, in 2007, around the same time that she launched her singing career. The series also featured Bindi’s mother, Terri Irwin, and younger brother, Robert Irwin.
After Steve’s untimely death in 2006, his daughter started following in his footsteps more than ever before, making appearances on talk shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Late Show With David Letterman and Larry King Live in an effort to keep Steve’s legacy and work alive.
“Dad will always be my superhero,” Bindi told Us Weekly exclusively in 2018. “He was just the most amazing person, and everyone knew him as the ultimate wildlife warrior, but to me he was the best dad.”
Bindi added a Daytime Emmy Award to her collection of accolades in 2008. She continued to find success in the TV industry as the years went on, perhaps most notably on Dancing With the Stars in 2015. She competed on season 21 with pro partner Derek Hough and ultimately took home the coveted mirrorball trophy.
More recently, Bindi married her longtime love, Chandler Powell. The couple, who started dating in 2013, shared the news with fans on social media in March 2020. Four months later, they announced that they are expecting their first child.
“I think Dad truly would’ve loved Chandler,” Bindi told Us in September 2019 of her then-fiancé. “Chandler is so kind and thoughtful and there for me and my family, no matter what. I think that’s what’s so special, is that Chandler, he’s extraordinary because he’s always there for me 100 percent. Whether it’s good times or challenging times, he’s there to give me a hug when I need it or a word of encouragement when I’m feeling low. It’s really special to have someone who is always in your corner.”
Ahead of her little one’s birth, Bindi reflected on how her father would have “been the best grandfather.”
“I always joke that if he was still here, we’d never see our baby because he’d take her on all kinds of adventures!” the Crikey! It’s the Irwins star told The Bump in February 2021. “I want to make sure our baby girl gets to know my dad and thankfully, we have many documentaries and photos we can share with her. I think she’ll love getting to watch footage of Dad working with all kinds of animals and learning about his legacy.”
One month later, Bindi and Powell welcomed their daughter, Grace.
Sign up for Us Weekly’s free, daily newsletter and never miss breaking news or exclusive stories about your favorite celebrities, TV shows and more!
Scroll down to take a look back at Bindi through the years:
Bindi looked adorable in a pink dress while celebrating her brother Robert’s 2nd birthday at Australia Zoo in December 2005.
Andrew Carlile/MEGA
Bindi delivered an emotional eulogy at her dad’s televised funeral in September 2006, days after the 44-year-old was killed by a stingray barb while filming one of his shows. Bindi received a standing ovation for her touching remarks at the memorial service.
Steve Holland/EPA/Shutterstock
Bindi became the youngest person to ever appear on the cover of New Idea in the Australian magazine’s 104-year history in September 2006.
Bindi the Jungle Girl premiered on Discovery Kids in June 2007. Steve filmed several episodes with his daughter prior to his death. The show ran for two seasons.
Richard Drew/AP/Shutterstock
Bindi won the Emmy for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series for her role in Bindi the Jungle Girl in June 2008, making her the youngest performer to ever win a Daytime Emmy.
John Barrett/Shutterstock
Bindi starred as the lead character, Kirra, in the 2010 movie Free Willy: Escape From Pirate’s Cove.
Kobal/Shutterstock
The TV personality hosted her own children’s game show, Bindi’s Bootcamp, which aired from July 2012 to October 2015.
Ben Beaden/Australia Zoo/Rex/Shutterstock
The Australian Geographic Society awarded Bindi with the Young Conservationist of the Year honor in October 2014 for her work with the protection and preservation of nature.
Gaye Gerard/EPA/Shutterstock
Bindi and Hough were named the champions of Dancing With the Stars season 21 in September 2015, marking his sixth career win.
Mediapunch/Shutterstock
The Crikey! It’s the Irwins star announced her engagement to Powell on her 21st birthday in July 2019. “Chandler, close to 6 years ago I fell in love with you and every day since has been a whirlwind of adventure and true happiness,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’m so looking forwarding to spending our forever together as your wife. Here’s to a lifetime of friendship, purpose and unconditional love. — Now let’s get married already!”
AFF-USA/Shutterstock
Bindi married Powell at Australia Zoo in March 2020, hours before the Australian government enforced a lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic. The bride’s brother, Robert, walked her down the aisle, and the newlyweds lit a candle in Steve’s memory.
“There are no words to describe the amount of love and light in my heart right now,” Bindi wrote via Instagram. “We’ve planned this beautiful day for nearly a year and had to change everything, as we didn’t have guests at our wedding. This was a very difficult decision but important to keep everyone safe.”
Courtesy of Russell Shakespeare
The newlyweds announced in August 2020 that Bindi is pregnant with their first child. “Baby Wildlife Warrior due 2021,” the mom-to-be wrote via Instagram.
Courtesy of Bindi Irwin/Instagram
Bindi and Powell announced their daughter’s arrival.
“Celebrating the two loves of my life. Happy first wedding anniversary to my sweetheart husband and day of birth to our beautiful daughter,” she wrote alongside their first family photo via Instagram in March 2021. “Grace Warrior Irwin Powell. Our graceful warrior is the most beautiful light. Grace is named after my great-grandmother, and relatives in Chandler’s family dating back to the 1700s.”
The Australia native continued: “Her middle names, Warrior Irwin, are a tribute to my dad and his legacy as the most incredible Wildlife Warrior. Her last name is Powell and she already has such a kind soul just like her dad. There are no words to describe the infinite amount of love in our hearts for our sweet baby girl. She chose the perfect day to be born and we feel tremendously blessed.”
Courtesy of Bindi Irwin/Instagram
The wildlife conservationist opened up to fans about her 10-year battle with endometriosis — one that left her in such “insurmountable” pain that she ultimately had an operation.
“I decided to undergo surgery for endometriosis. Going in for surgery was scary but I knew I couldn’t live like I was,” she shared via Instagram in March 2023, alongside a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed. “Every part of my life was getting torn apart because of the pain.”
Fortunately for Irwin, the surgery not only helped her feel better — she was also grateful to feel validated. “[My physician’s] first words to me when I was in recovery were, ‘How did you live with this much pain?’ Validation for years of pain is indescribable.”
Startraksphoto.com ; SplashNews.com
:quality(85):upscale()/2024/11/13/919/n/1922564/cc0839716735141c6dab05.65024797_.jpg "Best Puffer Coats and Jackets For Women")