Lily Collins Ensures Daughter Knows Dad Phil Collins' Music Amid Health Struggles

For Lily Collins, the importance of her father's music in her daughter's life has never been more significant. In January 2025, the actress and star of Emily in Paris revealed that she and her husband, Charlie McDowell, who tied the knot in 2021, welcomed their first child together, Tove Jane, through surrogacy. This marks Phil Collins' second grandchild, following Zoë Amelie, the daughter of his adoptive daughter Joely Collins, born in 2009. Tove is growing up surrounded by the iconic music of her grandfather, much like her mother did.

During a recent appearance on TODAY, Lily spoke about the significance of her father’s music in Tove’s life. She emphasized that it was crucial for her daughter to grow up with her father’s voice and music, just as she had. “It's just lovely to have his music on in the house, and so from day one I just really wanted her to understand that,” she said. Lily also reflected on her new role as a mother, calling it a purpose much greater than herself. She shared how learning to let go of perfection was one of the most valuable gifts she received this year, especially as she prepared for the release of Emily in Paris season five.

“Because I was also exhausted, I remember saying like, 'Okay guys, didn't sleep, I may not know my lines perfectly, just going to roll with it,'” she recalled. “It's more like, 'Let's just see what happens!'” This mindset helped her navigate the challenges of filming the new season after becoming a mom.

Phil Collins’ Health

Earlier this year, Phil Collins faced some alarming rumors about his health, which sparked concern among fans. Reports suggested he had been hospitalized and even mistakenly claimed he was on hospice care. His team quickly denied these claims, clarifying that he was admitted for knee surgery and there was no cause for alarm.

The news about Phil’s health comes at a time when he has largely stepped back from public life and performances. During his last concert tour in 2022, he performed while seated, and his son, Nic Collins, took over drumming duties. In recent years, Phil has spoken openly about his declining health, stating that it has significantly reduced his desire to create music. He suffers from type 2 diabetes and the lingering effects of a spinal injury sustained in 2007.

“I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens,” Phil told MOJO Magazine earlier this year. However, he added, “But I'm not hungry for it anymore.” He described his illness as “very sick” and admitted that the loss of his ability to play drums was a major blow. In a YouTube documentary titled Phil Collins: Drummer First, he reflected on the physical toll of his career, saying, “It's still kind of sinking in a bit… I've spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.”