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Originally appeared on E! Online<\/a><\/p>\n Robert Irwin<\/a> has the perfect way of keeping his dad close.<\/p>\n As the 21-year-old prepares for “Dancing With the Stars<\/a>” semifinals on Nov. 18, Irwin detailed the two keepsakes from dad Steve Irwin \u2014 who died in 2006 \u2014 he wears on every performance day: a button-down shirt that Robert repaired, as well as a ring he created from keys to his childhood home he found in Steve\u2019s office.<\/p>\n \u201cThese two things are a way to keep me close to home and to what\u2019s most important to me,\u201d he said in his Nov. 17 video, for which he wore both the shirt and the ring. Of the repaired shirt, he added, \u201cI like that it still looks and feels like him. Each one of the holes, and the tears, and each of the missing buttons tells a story.\u201d<\/p>\n The environmental advocate went on to detail how he begins every Tuesday \u2014 show day on “Dancing With the Stars” \u2014 by putting on the shirt, which he then wears to the studio and for his first dress rehearsals before getting into wardrobe.<\/p>\n READ<\/b> Bindi Irwin Supports Brother Robert Irwin After Emotional DWTS Tribute to Late Dad Steve Irwin<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cSo before you guys see that dance in costume, I\u2019ve always done that dance at least once in dad\u2019s shirt,\u201d he said. \u201cIt keeps me close to home, it keeps me close to him. It just feels like a big hug every time I put it on.\u201d<\/p>\n As for the ring, it bears the number of Australia Zoo, his and his family\u2019s home located at 1638 Steve Irwin Way. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the most beautiful experience,\u201d Robert continued of “Dancing With the Stars,” which has allowed him to pay tribute to his dad<\/a> multiple times this season. \u201cIn some way, I want him part of it. Because this experience has truly changed my life. And I know I wouldn\u2019t be here without him and his legacy that I get to continue.\u201d<\/p>\n He added, \u201cI\u2019m just so grateful that I\u2019m heading into the home stretch, this is it. I\u2019m doing this for a purpose and a cause that is close to my heart: before anything else, I\u2019m an animal conservationist. I proudly continue the work that my mum and dad started.\u201d<\/p>\n And indeed, his mom Terri Irwin couldn\u2019t be prouder. As she wrote on his post, \u201cThis is incredibly special and meaningful. Your dad would be chuffed for sure. He loved you so much,\u201d adding, \u201cI love what you did with your dad\u2019s keys.\u201d<\/p>\n