Steve Irwin’s widow Terri shares heartbreaking reality of life after his death

Steve Irwin's widow has opened up about life after the conservationist's death nearly two decades on.

Nicknamed the 'Crocodile Hunter', Irwin's wildlife documentary shows made him internationally famous and easily the most recognised face in wildlife conservation.

However the 44-year-old would unexpectedly die in September 2006 after suffering a stingray injury to the heart while filming a documentary.

Nearly 20 years on from his passing and Irwin's legacy remains influential, with his with Terri and their children continuing to manage Australia Zoo and work as conservationists in his memory.

Terri has now opened up on life without Steve two decades on, telling Australia's 10 News that she still experiencing unexpected moments of sadness.

"Sometimes you have to search for something and it’s hard, but we worked at it," she told reporter Angela Bishop, who experienced the loss of her husband.

Steve Irwin with his family in 2006, he would pass away months later from a stingray wound to the heart (Australia Zoo via Getty Images)

Reflecting on the time which has passed since her husband's death, Terri said: "Steve forever will never be older than 44, in any photo.

"Here I am 61," she continued. "And here's this little spunky guy. It's hard... He did that die young, stay pretty."

Terri had first crossed paths with Steve in 1991 when she visited the Irwin family wildlife park in Beerwah, Australia.

The couple would tie the knot a year later and spend their honeymoon filming a wildlife documentary focused on moving 'relocating a problem crocodile in far north Queensland'.

This project would form the basis for Crocodile Hunter, a series which launched the Irwin family into international fame.

Terri has not remarried since Steve's death, previously telling Stellar Magazine that she already found her 'happy ever after'.

"I’m sure there’s a lot of lovely people out there in the world, but I did find my happily ever after, and I think I still have a lot of love in my life," she said.

Terri with her children Robert and Bindi now (Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)

"I’m lonely for Steve, but I’m not lonely. I never mourn being on my own and not being in a relationship. I think we need to say that."

Instead she continues to run Australia Zoo as the sole owner and chairwoman, with her work including keeping thousands of animals alive. While their children, Robert and Bindi, have both followed in their father's footsteps by also working as conservationists and TV personalities.

Terri also shared a heartbreaking letter she received from another woman who'd also lost her husband.

"I had a woman write to me, this beautiful letter about losing her husband," Terri said while fighting back tears.

"She said 'Grief won't always consume you, eventually it walks with you' and she's right."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.