Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell have officially embarked on the beautiful and transformative adventure of parenthood, welcoming their first child, a baby girl named Tove Jane McDowell. The couple shared their joyous news with fans through a heartfelt announcement on social media on January 31, 2025, expressing their gratitude for the incredible surrogate who helped bring their daughter to life.
The announcement came with a touching message on Instagram, where Collins posted, "Welcome to the center of our world Tove Jane McDowell. Words will never express our endless gratitude for our incredible surrogate and everyone who helped us along the way. We love you to the moon and back again…"
Reporting on their evolution as partners, many will recall the beginning of Collins and McDowell's romance. Their love story took root back on the set of the film Gilded Rage in 2019, where they first met and felt the instant spark of attraction. The couple officially acknowledged their relationship on Instagram the following year, marking the start of their public love affair.
After nearly two years of dating, McDowell, son of Hollywood icons Mary Steenburgen and Malcolm McDowell, proposed during what appeared to be a beautifully planned moment on a road trip in New Mexico. He presented Collins with a stunning cushion cut engagement ring, solidifying his intentions and dreams for their future together.
Fast forward to September 2021, when Collins and McDowell tied the knot at the picturesque Dunton Hot Springs resort in Colorado. The intimate ceremony, limited to 40 guests, was attended by family and close friends, including Collins's famed musician father, Phil Collins, and notable actors like Ted Danson and Ashley Park. Collins wore a custom Ralph Lauren gown with a laced hood, embodying both elegance and intimacy on her special day.
Though their wedding was notable for its simplicity, it was rich with emotional depth. Mary Steenburgen shared during her interview how she cherished the small moments the couple shared during their vows, creating memories just for them. "At my son's wedding, he whispered something to [Lily] during the vows... much of it was shared with us, but... I thought it was really beautiful," she recalled.
With their nuptials behind them, Collins and McDowell have maintained much of their family planning close to their hearts. Nevertheless, the filmmaker hinted back in October 2024 during an interview with E! News about their aspirations for parenthood, stating they "would like to move to the next stage" of their lives.
The pair keeps supportive friends close, both of whom showered them with love and congratulations upon the birth of baby Tove. Celebrities and fans alike flooded their social media posts with affectionate messages, all echoing the couple’s shared joy.
Reflecting on their relationship dynamics, Collins has expressed how she and McDowell complement each other; she's noted their ability to navigate through challenging times as partners. "We can kind of conquer anything," she revealed, emphasizing her gratitude for having someone who can make her laugh and support her through emotional struggles.
Now, as Collins and McDowell step fully onto the path of being parents, they not only look forward to shaping their family life but also realize how significant this next chapter will be—a new beginning marked by love, support, and mutual admiration. The joy they feel welcomes both challenges and charming moments of parenthood, and it’s clear they are excited for the adventures to come.
While the world witnesses the blossoming of their family, it's inspiring to see how far they've come—from their initial meeting to becoming parents, showcasing the beauty of love and togetherness. Indeed, this marks the start of something wonderful for Lily Collins, Charlie McDowell, and their little one, Tove Jane. The couple's milestones reflect the hope and joy founders of families ooze, and it seems they’re just getting started on this beautiful ride.