Bindi Irwin pays tribute to her late father Steve

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The 17-year-old said Steve Irwin, who was killed by a stingray attack in 2006, was the strongest person she knew
She added that her relationship with her mom, Terri, and younger brother, Robert, has gotten stronger
The Dancing with the Stars contestant broke down in tears after dedicating a dance to him earlier this month

Published: 15:05 EST, 28 October 2015 | Updated: 15:28 EST, 28 October 2015

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Losing a parent as a child is a traumatic experience for anyone, but when Bindi Irwin's dad, Steve Irwin, died, she had to experience that horrific loss at just eight years old.

The 17-year-old opened up about the Crocodile Hunter star in a new interview with People this week, sharing how the heartbreaking experience strengthened her relationships with her 51-year-old mom, Terri, and 11-year-old brother, Robert.

'As a family, we've gotten so close,' she said. 'The three of us, no matter where we are in the world, we'll always stick together. We can count on each other on the good days and bad days.'

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Sad story: Bindi Irwin opened up in a new interview about losing her dad, Steve Irwin, at such a young age; he died in 2006, about a year after this photo was taken

Family: Since his passing, Bindi has 'gotten so close' with her mom, Terri, and her little brother, Robert

Steve died in 2006 at the age of 44 after being attacked by a stingray - a violent event that was caught on camera as he was being filmed for a documentary, as well as Bindi's own show, Bindi the Jungle Girl.

Having her brave father killed so unexpectedly naturally left a mark on the teen, who said that she was at a loss after he was taken from her.

'Dad was the strongest person I've ever known,' said. 'And when the strongest person is taken away, you kind of go, "Oh my goodness. What are we going to do?"'

Luckily, Bindi's had her family there for support - and she's incredibly grateful to have them by her side.

Smooth moves: Bindi is currently doing quite well with her partner, Derek Hough, on Dancing with the Stars

He could lift: She said that her dad was the strongest person she knew, so losing him made her unsure of herself

Open book: The 17-year-old talked about her dad to People, where she also discussed her boyfriend

'I think everyone is given those couple of people in life, whether they are related to you or not, that will stand by you no matter what. You have to treasure them because they come into your life for a reason,' she said. 'Sometimes you do just have to let go and be supported.'

She went on: 'I'm a strong individual, but I know I can always just lean on them and know that I have their love and support.'

They've also been by her side as she's been competing on the twenty-first season of Dancing with the Stars.

Terri and Robert both temporarily moved with the minor to Los Angeles so that she could take part in the show, where she excels on the dance floor from week to week with her partner Derek Hough.

So much support: Bindi's mom and brother temporarily moved from Australia to Los Angeles so the teen could compete on the dancing reality show

Feeling connected: Bindi pulls off high and perfect scores from week to week, though an emotional performance dedicated to her dad left her sobbing on Derek's shoulder

On this week's episode, Bindi and Derek earned a perfect score from the judges for their Argentine tango to Cry Little Sister.

But though the couple has scored well since the season began, filming hasn't been entirely smooth sailing for the youngest competitor left in the running to win.

After her October 5 performance to Every Breath You Take for the Most Memorable Year theme, Bindi broke down into tears before judging began.

She had dedicated the dance to her dad and was overcome with emotion by the time it ended, crying on Derek's shoulder.