Chandler’s grandpa: ‘WE’RE COMING TO OZ FOR THE WEDDING!’
Bindi Irwin’s boyfriend is poised to get down on bended knee, say his excited family in the States
Bindi Irwin’s future in-laws are preparing to travel Down Under for the Aussie wedding of the decade!
US wakeboarder Chandler Powell is set to pop the question any day, after dating the 19-yearold wildlife warrior for three years, Woman’s Day has learned.
In an exclusive interview, Chandler’s 74-year-old grandfather John Dicenzo has opened up about the young couple’s fairytale romance – and how he hopes the “perfect” pair will be as happy as he and his wife Patricia are after their almost 50-year marriage.
Speaking from his home in Orange City, Florida, John reveals Bindi and Chandler – who turned 21 last week – have discussed marriage in depth. “It’s been a
while now, they’re on their time frame, but we’re quietly waiting [for an announcement],” John tells us. “They want to be sure the timing is right, because they are popular and they won’t want any pressure on them.”
The pair are always posting loved-up pics to Instagram – and John predicts they’ll announce their engagement on social media.
And he’s thrilled he’ll soon be able to call capable, down-toearth Bindi his granddaughter.
“Bindi has been to our house once or twice, the last time was about a year ago, and I’ve seen her at family events since then.
“When she’s talking to you, she keeps the conversation as much about you as it is about her, she’s not self-centred.”
John adds that Chandler, who is widely accepted as a member of the Irwin family – spending most of his time working at Australia Zoo alongside his girlfriend – has handled Bindi’s fame easily. “What you see is what you get with him,” he says. “He’s always honest, straightforward, and I think he’s more than willing for somebody else to have the spotlight. That way they can share the experience. There are no egos getting in the way.
“These are two very special people who have a lot in common,” he adds. “They are both a good influence on each other.”
John is keen to travel Down Under for the big day, which many tip will take place at Australia Zoo on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
“It’s a beautiful place. And their families both get along very well.”
John says while he is sad Bindi’s
‘They want to be sure the timing is right’
late father Steve won’t be there to walk her down the aisle, he’s sure the Crocodile Hunter would’ve approved of Chandler. “Steve would’ve got on with Chandler, I have little doubt about that. Maybe an uncle, or one Steve’s closest friends, could do her the honour.”
John says Chandler’s parents Shannan and Chris tied the knot “just out of high school”, while Chandler’s brother Cameron is also engaged to his girlfriend. “There are a lot of happy marriages in the family setting a good example.”
John even hinted Bindi and Chandler might be planning to start a family – and raise their kids at the zoo. “Better to have a family in a zoo than a family be a zoo! Chandler loves animals, all types. It’s a big world for him to be in.”