Lily Collins has officially stepped foot on her latest and most exciting adventure yet: motherhood! The 35-year-old actress, best known for her role in Emily in Paris, announced the arrival of her first child with husband Charlie McDowell, introducing her followers to their baby girl, Tove Jane McDowell. The news came as quite the surprise, as neither Collins nor McDowell publicly disclosed any information about their family planning until the joyous announcement.
On January 31, 2025, the couple took to social media to share the heartwarming news with their fans. "Welcome to the center of our world Tove Jane McDowell," the proud parents wrote on Instagram. Alongside their message, they shared an adorable photo of their newborn daughter, swaddled in cozy blankets and wearing a knitted floral hat. A blanket monogrammed with her name rested beside her, enhancing the cuteness of the moment.
Expressing their heartfelt emotions, Collins added, "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…" This touching phrase seems to be significant to the family, as Collins had previously used it when celebrating her father Phil Collins’s 74th birthday just before announcing Tove’s birth.
The news delighted fans and friends alike, who flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages. Fellow actress Sarah Hyland exclaimed, "I’m sobbinggggg!" Meanwhile, fashion stylist Maria Jose remarked, "OMG, THIS IS SUCH A DREAM!!!!!!! ❤️ Congratulations.”
Collins and McDowell, who married on September 4, 2021, are known for their relatively private lifestyle, which makes this delightful announcement all the more surprising. The couple, who began dating in 2019, had kept the details of their family planning close to their chest. They did, earlier, hint at their desire to start a family. McDowell had mentioned during an interview with E! News back in October 2024, "We would like to [start a family]. We would like to move to the next stage, so we’ll see when it happens!"
Their marriage took place at Dunton Hot Springs, a luxury resort turned ghost town outside Telluride, Colorado, where Collins wore a stunning white lace gown by Ralph Lauren. Both Collins and McDowell come from renowned families, with Collins being the daughter of the legendary singer Phil Collins and McDowell being the son of actors Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen. This shared background appears to contribute to their deep familial values, as highlighted by the substantial support from both sides during this momentous time.
Interestingly, Collins has previously spoken about the impact of her personal struggles on her family dreams. During interviews, she shared how her desire to become a mother helped her on her path of recovery from past eating disorders. "My reason to finally start talking about [my eating disorder] was the moment I realized I wanted a family. I wanted kids," she mentioned during a 2017 interview with Us Weekly.
Now, as they take on their new roles as parents, both Collins and McDowell seem excited and filled with hope for their daughter’s future. They have already shared snippets of their life together as parents, calling this new chapter "the best is still to come" when discussing their anniversary. Their dedication to each other shines through their social media posts, where they often express their deep love and admiration for one another, making it evident their family unit is now their top priority.
Generating even more excitement, Collins had just wrapped up her run performing the play Barcelona on the West End, making this announcement feel even more like some fairy-tale timing layered with serendipity.
The couple's ability to merge their personal and professional lives remains exemplary as they navigate this thrilling new chapter. Having both experienced the whirlwind of the entertainment industry, Collins and McDowell’s approach to balancing their public and private aspects serves as inspiration for many watching from afar. Sharing the joy of new parenthood with their followers is certainly one way to connect and continue to maintain their audience as they transition through this significant milestone.
With Tove Jane McDowell now part of their lives, it will be exciting for fans to watch the couple embrace parenthood, continuing to support Collins and McDowell on their new adventures as they grow their family. Who knows what wonderful memories and experiences lie ahead for this loving couple as they welcome their daughter with open arms, ready to love her to the moon and back again.