KEY POINTS

  • Bindi Irwin paid tribute to her dad, Steve Irwin, on his 15th death anniversary on Instagram
  • Bindi said that her daughter lights up whenever she sees Steve on the screen
  • The "Dance With the Stars" winner wished her dad could hug her daughter, Grace Warrior

Bindi Irwin shared a throwback photo of her father, Steve Irwin, as she marked his death anniversary.

Irwin, 23, took to Instagram to pay tribute to her late dad for his 15th death anniversary. She shared a photo of her 5-month-old daughter Grace smiling while looking at something out of the frame. She also uploaded a throwback photo of her with her father while she was collecting some stones from the sand.

"This sweetheart has been watching her ‘Grandpa Crocodile’ on the projector at our camp here on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve," Bindi wrote in the caption. "She lights up when she sees him on screen. I wish with all my heart that Dad could hug my beautiful girl."

Bindi continued, "It’s been 15 years since he passed away. I hold on to the thought that he’s her guardian angel now, watching over the most special part of my life, Grace Warrior."

Bindi's husband Chandler Powell commented with a heart emoji. Many did the same with some of her fans and followers sending her warm messages. One fan said she could relate to Bindi because her child also didn't get to meet his grandfather.

"Bindi, I’m in your shoes as well.. my father passed away this June right before my baby boy was born… I believe our dads are watching over our babies for sure. She’s perfect and he’d be so proud," one fan wrote.

"Nobody should ever have to face a loss like you went through. God bless him and the legacy he would be proud of," another added.

Bindi always remembers her dad in every occasion. In June, she also mentioned her dad in her Father's Day tribute. Aside from her dad, Bindi praised her husband, Chandler, and father-in-law, Chris Powell, for being the "extraordinary men" who touched her life.

"My dad taught me the importance of strength when standing up for what I believe in and to have empathy for all living beings. My husband amazes me every day with his kind and steadfast heart, his love for our daughter is infinite. My father-in-law works tirelessly for his family and is always there with a word of encouragement," she wrote. "These extraordinary men inspire me and I love them so very much."

Bindi skipped her grandfather Bob in the tribute, prompting many to ask why. In a lengthy reply, the "Dancing With the Stars" winner accused him of "psychological abuse" and explained that she had to care for her mental health and just wished Bob happiness.

Bindi Irwin
Bindi Irwin at the 5th AACTA Awards in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 9, 2015. Getty Image/Mark Metcalfe