Bindi Irwin wants her brother to walk her down the aisle on wedding day

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Bindi Irwin announces her surprise engagement to boyfriend of 6 years Chandler Powell

Chandler Powell proposed to Bindi Irwin. She said yes!

Bindi Irwin‘s wedding planning has just begun, but there are already a few details she knows for certain.

“I think that for me, it’ll be really important that Robert walks me down the aisle,” she told Entertainment Tonight this week. “That’s something that I really want to do.”

“He has been such a big part of my life and he’s always stepped up and been the one to give me a hug when I need it and encourage me forward in life,” she added of her 15-year-old brother.

Bindi, who got engaged to longtime boyfriend Chandler Powell on her 21st birthday this week, told the outlet that Robert stepping in the typical father-of-the-bride role will honor their late father, animal expert and television personality Steve Irwin, on her big day.

Steve Irwin, known as “The Crocodile Hunter,” died in an accident involving a stingray in 2006. At the time, Bindi was just 8 years old.

As for additional wedding details, instead of a father-daughter dance, she wants her mother, Terri, to step in for the precious moment instead.

“My mom and I are so close,” Bindi said. “She’s my pillar of strength in life and I love her beyond description. So I think, when the time comes, Robert will walk me down the aisle, [Chandler and I] will have our wonderful moment and I’ll have my dance with mom.”

The young conservationist, who works with her family as Animal Planet cameras follow them on their adventures on “Crikey! It’s the Irwins,” said the nuptials will take place next year.

In her engagement announcement on Instagram, Bindi wrote a sweet message to her future husband.

“Chandler, close to 6 years ago I fell in love with you and every day since has been a whirlwind of adventure and true happiness,” she said. “Here’s to a lifetime of friendship, purpose and unconditional love. — Now let’s get married already!”

This story originally appeared in the New York Post.