Lily Collins, the star of Netflix's hit series Emily in Paris, and her husband Charlie McDowell have officially entered parenthood, welcoming their first child, Tove Jane McDowell, via surrogacy. The couple announced the joyful news on social media, captivating fans with their heartfelt message.
On January 31, 2025, Collins took to Instagram to share the news with her 26 million followers, posting an adorable photo of their newborn daughter. "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," she wrote, expressing the couple's elation and gratitude.
The name Tove, meaning "beloved" or "beautiful" with roots tracing back to Old Norse, adds to the charm of their announcement. Notably, the couple had chosen not to reveal their plans for surrogacy prior to Tove’s birth, making the announcement even more personal and intimate.
Fans of Collins, who is also the daughter of legendary musician Phil Collins, celebrated this new chapter for the actress, who has long expressed her desire to start a family. "My reason to finally start talking about [my eating disorder] was the moment I realized I wanted a family," she had mentioned previously, highlighting her dedication to creating the best environment for her future children.
McDowell, who has directed movies such as The Discovery and Windfall, also shared his joy on Instagram, stating, "Thank you for all the kind messages and love. We are overjoyed and immensely grateful." His remarks came amid mixed reactions from social media users, with some criticizing the couple's choice to use surrogacy.
Responding to the backlash, McDowell expressed his appreciation for supporters, encouraging haters to reconsider their harsh judgments. "It's okay not to be an expert in surrogacy... It's okay to spend less time spewing hateful words, especially about a beautiful girl who has brought a lot of love to people's lives," he commented, urging compassion and empathy from the public.
The couple's relationship blossomed after they met on the set of Gilded Rage back in 2019, and they have been inseparable ever since, marrying on September 4, 2021, at Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado. The ceremony was intimate, with Collins donning a stunning long-sleeved lace gown by Ralph Lauren, and it marked the beginning of their delightful partnership.
Fans of Emily in Paris will appreciate Collins’ versatility as she navigates her career and now motherhood. Recently, she expressed interest in exploring the character of Emily Cooper outside of Paris. "She would definitely go to Portobello Road and buy some antiques and even try to get tea with the King. Wouldn’t we all love to sneak past Buckingham Palace?" she expressed light-heartedly.
Aside from all the new developments, Collins has previously shared her experiences about her strained relationship with her father, Phil Collins, who celebrated his 74th birthday just days ago. Taking to her Instagram, she expressed her gratitude for the love and support she has received over the years, showcasing her growth and strength.
Collins, who has hoped for such family milestones, stated, "The older I get, the greater I appreciate all the little, special moments spent together." Her openness about her journeys speaks volumes about her dedication to family and the love she has for those close to her.
Now, as she embarks on this new chapter as Tove’s mother, Collins has promised to instill the same values and appreciation for life's small joys onto her daughter. With support from their fans and friends, Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell stand ready to embrace all the beautiful challenges of parenthood.
Surrogacy stirs varied opinions, but for Collins and McDowell, it signifies the fulfillment of their dreams. Their love story, along with the recent addition of baby Tove, solidifies the bond they share, as they look forward to nurturing their little girl.
With their commitment to each other and now to their child, Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell seem more than ready to navigate the exciting path of parenthood together. Here’s to new beginnings and countless adventures with their darling Tove Jane McDowell!