Robert Irwin just praised me — er, moms — in the Dancing With the Stars season finale, and I am bawling after the sweet moment. The wildlife conservationist has been open about carrying on his dad Steve Irwin’s wildlife legacy, but he couldn’t do it without the strength of his mom Terri Irwin. And that influence greatly impacted his life.

“The most important people in my life are strong and powerful mothers: my mom, my sister, and now Witney,” Robert said on Tuesday night’s episode, after dancing the quickstep with his partner Witney Carson. I couldn’t hold back the tears seeing a man so earnestly and genuinely praise the women and moms in his life. We need more men like him in the world!

In special messages from family before the winner was announced, Robert’s sister Bindi Irwin, mom to

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