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Conservationist and Australian TV personality Bindi Irwin has had a successful career since childhood. She’s the eldest child of the late great TV personality, zookeeper, and wildlife advocate Steve Irwin. Although Bindi lost her father when she was just 8 years old, she continued in his footsteps while thriving and promoting messages of hope. Earlier this year, though, her wedding ceremony faced some disappointing circumstances. A good portion of Irwin’s guests couldn’t attend the affair due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Irwin recounts on her Instagram: “We wish all of our friends and family could have been there with us, however, it's lovely that we will be able to share photos and videos. Right now we're encouraging the world to hold onto hope and love, which will carry us forward during this profound time in history.” There was also a particular absence greatly felt by Irwin—that of her father Steve. So, digital artist and Irwin family fan, Debb Oliver, painted a unique gift to afford Bindi Irwin a heartwarming moment and memento commemorating the day.
Oliver’s work depicts a beaming Bindi in a wedding gown, next to her husband Chandler Powell. On Bindi’s other side is her father with his signature smile. Bindi's mother Terri and brother Robert are also present, completing a full family portrait. “I’ve been working on this slowly since @bindisueirwin and @chandlerpowell got married,” Oliver shares on Instagram, “I couldn’t stop thinking about how Steve would be so proud of them. So I wanted to draw all the Irwins together, including Sui. Steve’s (dog and) best friend. I LOVE this family so much. And I’d love for them to see this. I promise I won’t ask every time, but I’d REALLY appreciate if you could help me get this to them.” And Oliver’s Instagram followers did not disappoint. They drew enough attention to get the Irwin family.
After seeing the work, the Irwins sent a handwritten thank you card to the ecstatic artist and fan. “This is all very surreal. To have ‘a piece’ of the Irwins with me, is really special. They are so generous, and I definitely wasn’t expecting any of this,” Oliver remarked. “I’ll really treasure these forever. Thank you again to everyone who helped my portrait get to them. Couldn’t have done it without your help!”
In a socially distanced handoff, Oliver was able to get her work into the hands of the family she held dear, specifically to Bindi. The newlywed created a post on her Instagram quoting Scottish poet Thomas Campbell: “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” She thanked Oliver for creating such a beautiful and spectacular piece that gave her happy tears. And now, just a few days after her heartfelt thank you, Bindi has revealed that she's expecting her first child, making her father's presence even more meaningful.
Artist Debb Oliver pays tribute to the late great Steve Irwin as a wedding gift to his daughter Bindi Irwin.
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Here's a heartwarming video showing Bindi and her late father in her childhood.
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And to add to this joyous bit of nostalgia, Bindi has also just revealed that she is now pregnant with her first child.
Debb Oliver: Website | Instagram
Bindi Irwin : Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [LADBible]
All images via Bindi Irwin.
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