Terri Irwin reflects on being a single mother in poignant post: 'They're the reason I stand strong'

Terri Irwin was just in her early 40s when she became widowed when the love of her life, husband Steve Irwin, tragically died in 2006 following an incident on the Batt Reef in Queensland.

And now Terri, 59, has opened up about becoming a single parent upon Steve's death, and how their children Bindi and Robert gave her the "purpose, courage, and happiness" to carry on.

In a sweet Instagram post to acknowledge Mother's Day, Terri said: "Being a mum is the best part of my life."

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"When Steve passed, it was not a burden being a single mum, it was actually my children that gave me purpose, courage, and happiness every day.

"Bindi and Robert are the reason I can stand strong, meet every challenge, and embrace every adventure."

She finished: "As a mother, I am truly blessed."

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Accompanying the post was a series of flashback pictures of Terri and the kids together over the years.

Robert, 20, wrote underneath: "Love you mum!"

"I love these photos and memories," Bindi added.

"Thank you for ALWAYS being there for me and Robert. And now for Grace. It means more than I can possibly describe. I love you.'

View gallery

All the best photos from the Steve Irwin Gala

Steve tragically died in 2006 at 44 years of age after being pierced in the chest by a stingray in the Great Barrier Reef.

Terri and both Irwin children have grown up continuing their father's legacy through their active animal conservation work with Australia Zoo.

Just three months ago, the trio acknowledged what would have been Steve's 62nd birthday on social media.

The widow shared a sweet compilation video of her "action man" over the years, which featured his voice autotuned into a song of sorts.

"Happy Birthday! Missing my Action Man," Terri captioned the clip, adding a love heart emoji and crediting "Melodysheep" for the clip.

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