We’ve seen Bindi Irwin grow up before our eyes into a beautiful person, a model for conservation and animal preservation and daughter her dad Steve would be so proud of.
We couldn’t be happier for the 21-year-old who recently got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Chandler Powell. Not surprising, she’s been feeling emotional ever since as she misses her father, looks forward to the future and makes sure her mom and brother are along for the ride.
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Chandler has been part of the Bindi family for some time now. When Bindi started dating her fiancée six years ago, her family was immediately supportive. Terri and Robert welcomed Chandler into the family and loved how wonderful he and Bindi were together. It’s obvious that Chandler is meant to be part of the Irwin family.
Engagement was a matter of time! On 21st Bindi’s birthday, July 24, Chandler got down on one knee and proposed and she said YES! Later that day, she announced the engagement on Instagram, writing:
“July 24th 2019 ❤️ On my birthday I said ‘yes’ and ‘forever’ to the love of my life. 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. 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!”
For Bindi, getting engaged and starting a new chapter in her life felt bittersweet. While she was elated to be getting married, she felt the absence of her dad, Steve Irwin. She wished he could be there to cheer her on during this momentous time of her life.
Bindi, was 8 years old when her father, Steve Irwin, died unexpectedly and has been missing him a lot now that she’s planning her wedding. Because her dad isn’t around, she asked her brother to give her away. She’s also been leaning on her mom, Terri, and brother, Robert, for support.
Steve and Bindi always had an incredibly close father-daughter bond. As the eldest child, Bindi completely changed Steve’s life. He was such a proud dad and didn’t care who knew it. Steve’s children were his life, and he recognized that nothing in the world compared to being a father.
Before his death, Steve during an interview noted, “I can’t dwell on her for too long or I start bawling my eyes out. When I go into the field, mate, I’ve got a photo. I’ve got a photo of me and my daughter, and I can just sit there and just start crying, just looking’ at her.”
Steve’s death tragically and completely changed Bindi’s life. Although she was devastated her dad was gone, she grew even closer to her mother and brother. Bindi, Robert, and Terri really came to depend on each other since Steve’s death. They became closer than ever as they learned to cope without their beloved dad.
To begin healing, they immediately knew they had to continue Steve’s work at the Australia Zoo. They’ve spent the last 13 years working at the zoo with the animals, teach others about the environment, and work on conservation efforts.
Though she has been close to her family, since getting engaged Bindi realized even more so how much she appreciates her mom and brother and how important they are to her. “Thankful to have such a beautiful family to hold my hand and share life’s most magical moments,” she wrote on Instagram.
Really missing her dad and grateful her brother will take his place at her weeding, Bindi wrote a sweet note to her dad about her brother. She said:
“Dad, You would be so incredibly proud of Robert. He has been such an amazing support during this beautiful new life chapter. I know you’d be beaming with pride when the time comes that he walks me down the aisle. I wish you could be here for these moments, but I know that your spirit lives on in us ❤️.”
Shortly after that she thanked her mom for being amazing
“My best friend ❤️ Mum, thank you for your support and always encouraging me to follow my dreams. You are the greatest mama on the planet and I’m so blessed to have your light in my life.”
Her post engagement emotionality delivered this “appreciation post” for her family:
”Appreciation Post: My fiancé, mama and brother. My everything. I’m in constant awe of their strength & kindness, their ability to create such positive change on the planet. They inspire me to believe in the goodness of the world and to reach for the stars, always. ❤️.”
Bindi knows how lucky she is to have so many wonderful, dedicated and supportive people corner as she begins a family of her own. Her mom, brother and Chandler have supported her through some of her toughest moments.
Congratulations, Bindi and Chandler — we can’t wait to see the joy your new family brings!
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