Sad twist in Robert Irwin and Rorie Buckey's split after over one year together

The couple shared a joint statement announcing their break-up on Saturday.

Robert Irwin and his girlfriend Rorie Buckey have made the shock announcement that they are no longer in a relationship. The beloved couple, who are believed to have dated for over a year, took to Instagram on Saturday morning to share a joint statement.

“We wanted to share that we have decided to go our separate ways but profoundly appreciate all of the time spent together and wish one another all the very best into the future,” they wrote.

Robert Irwin and Rorie Buckey.
Robert Irwin and his girlfriend Rorie Buckey have announced their split after over one year together. Photo: Instagram/robertirwinphotography

“We wish to express the gratitude and respect we have for one another as we continue our journeys on different paths.

“We won't be commenting further on this, and really appreciate your respect and privacy at this time.”

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Robert and Rorie, who is the niece of the late Heath Ledger, were first spotted together enjoying a beach-side date in November 2022. They went public with their relationship in July last year at the Sydney premiere of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, and made their romance ‘Instagram official’ in August.

Since then, Rorie has immersed herself in the Irwin clan by attending various birthday celebrations, Gala events and award ceremonies with them. The couple has also enjoyed various international trips together, including a recent holiday to Canada with her family.

Robert Irwin's break-up announcement.
The couple each shared the joint statement on their Instagram Stories. Photo: Instagram/robertirwinphotography

Sad detail in Robert and Rorie's break-up

Shortly after posting their break-up announcement, it appears Rorie and Robert have both deleted all evidence of their relationship on social media.

Rorie has also removed ‘Wildlife Warrior’ from her Instagram bio and changed her account settings from public to private, however, they are still following each other at the time of writing.

It’s unknown exactly when the pair broke up, although Robert revealed last month that he was hoping to bring his entire family - including Rorie - to South Africa when he films I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in March.

Rorie also announced on Instagram in December that she had started working for Robert’s family business at Australia Zoo.

The nineteen-year-old, who is reportedly studying a bachelor of science in physiotherapy at Curtin University in Perth, took to social media to share a photo of herself wearing an Australia Zoo uniform.

“I am honoured to be part of groundbreaking research on crocodiles in remote North Queensland,” she wrote. “Working with the University of Queensland and Australia Zoo is profoundly rewarding and I am so grateful to be alongside such inspiring individuals. This data is helping to conserve a keystone species and the habitat that supports them!”

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