Steve Irwin's Widow Never Dated after His Death & Says She Would Not Remarry despite Romance Rumors

Terri Irwin is not staying true to the vows she shared with her husband many years ago. While it might have been 'till death do us part," the naturalist decided to remain married to him many years after his demise. Learn how far Terri is willing to go for her undying love.

Steve Irwin, aka "the crocodile hunter," fascinated the world with his understanding of wildlife and the environment. He was an Australian zookeeper, conservationist, wildlife expert, and TV personality.

Another incredible aspect of Steve's life was his love story with American-born nationalist and author Terri. They met in 1991 during Terri's trip to Australia's wildlife rehabilitation facilities and were instantly smitten with each other.

At the time, they were in their twenties. While recounting their first meeting, Terri confessed that she fell head over heels for the conservationist. She added that Steve looked like a perfect man who would be in a relationship.

Although she thought about it but did not utter a word, Steve realized it. Without hesitation, the Aussie told his company that he was in a relationship — but this was a prank, as his supposed other half was his dog, Suey!

Once Terri realized that it was a prank, it felt like a jackpot. While describing the moment, the author said, "And then he called out, 'Hey Suey,' and here comes this little dog, Suey. I went, 'Boom! No girlfriend!'"

Their love story ran in a flash. After falling in love, they became engaged for four months before having their wedding. As soon as they settled into married life, the couple welcomed their kids, daughter Bindi and son Robert.

TRAGEDY STRIKES THE IRWINS

Steve and Terri were on a journey of a lifetime and would have spent their lives together, but sadly, their love story did not have a fairytale ending.

After spending about fifteen years as a family, tragedy struck the Irwins when the family's patriarch died. In 2006, the environmentalist left for Queensland's Batt Reef on an adventurous film titled "Ocean's Deadliest."

This was not the first time Steve would be recording such an exciting and terrifying story about deadly animals; his first was in 2001 when he hosted "The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World."

His mission was to make people understand the importance of preserving wildlife. Unfortunately, he did not come out of this exploration alive. While filming a stingray, the creature attacked to protect itself.

His colleagues had continued recording because they honored the rule to keep the cameras rolling even if Steve got hurt. However, following the attack and an hour of CPR, Steve died; he was only 44 years old.

Months after his death, Terri told Barbara Walters from ABC News that she was coping with the tragedy gradually. She handled her emotions one day at a time, without a rush. Instead, the naturalist employed faith and determination.

Despite their short-term relationship, Terri revealed that she felt no regrets and would choose the same romance again. She maintained that their marriage was a blessing. Terri reassuringly added:

"If I had to do it all over again, even knowing how it ended, I would in a minute."

In her despair, Terri showed strength. Although she had thought their family would find it challenging getting over Steve's death, and she sometimes wished he would walk through the door, they had to brave and live happily, as that was what her husband would love for them.

This did not mean that fear did not kick in. The author was uncertain about how she would manage the zoo and their kids. Thankfully, Terri decided to act as if Steve was present. According to her:

"It was a little bit terrifying to have to step up and take the till," she recalls, "but I thought about it and said, 'Let's carry on as if Steve was still here.'"

Fortunately, the entire family was on board. The kids understood that they had to support their mother. Since their dad's exit, the trio has worked as a team, advancing Steve's legacy, which has occupied Terri's time.

They tour the world and continue to expand the Australian zoo. The Irwin team founded a nonprofit known as "Wildlife Warriors," they also proclaim their message of wildlife perseverance on TV via their "Crikey! It's the Irwins" show.

TERRI IRWIN'S DATING RUMORS

Following her husband's death, Terri invested time in running her home and business, which has appeared fulfilling to the mother-of-two. However, stories from the gossip mills have placed her in the headlines.

More than once, Terri has been rumored to be romantically linked to other people. A few years ago, she was interviewed over an alleged romance between her and Hollywood star Russell Crowe.

The author clarified the situation, explaining that Crowe remains a "dear friend" to her family. She added that Crowe was close to her husband, and after Steve's death, he remained inseparable and loyal to the family.

Following the tragedy, he reached out to her, extending a helping hand, and has been instrumental in getting their family business up and running by showing up and speaking up.

Concerning the rumors involving other men, Terri jokingly expressed that she kept track of the list of famous people, including Paul Hogan, Hulk Hogan, and Richard Wilkins, adding that it was hilarious and flattering.

Steve's widow maintained that she is not looking to date anyone because she still feels loyal to her deceased husband, who remains her happily ever after.

Terri gushed about her life involving their kids, calling it a "full life," the naturalist explained that while she may be lonely for Steve, she is not a lonely person, making her feel content.

She confessed that if she had not met "the crocodile hunter," she would never have gotten married. Indeed, Terri exhumed happiness while talking about her love life with Steve.

She confidently added that marriage is not an option. In an interview, her daughter, Bindi, reiterated it to her mom, stating, "mom and dad will always be married, and always be together."

Despite the years gone by, Terri remains firm in her love for Steve. She concerns herself with working and taking care of their household. The mother-of-two alleged that she is not chasing anybody, adding that:

"That's just the way it is. I had a big, big love, and it was enough to last a lifetime."

Like their mother, Bindi and Robert have focused on keeping up their dad's legacy. Their most recent progress was opening up a lodge in the Australian zoo, where tourists can stay.

This was part of Steve's plan; sadly, his untimely death made it impossible for him to complete. Now, his family has honored him with the adorable hideaway that permits lots of sightseeing. Although Robert was only a baby when his dad died, he believes this was the best way to make him proud. In his words:

"Dad would be so proud of the lodge, and of Mum for achieving what he dreamed of."

Indeed, the Irwins are consolidating their legacy while promoting Steve's. They also inspire their fans and the world, as they have maintained consistency in preserving wildlife.