Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell are experiencing one of life’s most joyful moments—parenthood. The couple announced on social media the arrival of their first child, Tove Jane McDowell, born via surrogate on January 31, 2025. This news adds another chapter to their love story, which began when they first linked up back in 2019.
Collins, renowned for her role as Emily Cooper on the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris, shared their emotional announcement on Instagram with her husband, saying, “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.” Along with the message, she posted a touching photo of their newborn daughter, cleverly wrapped in a bassinet adorned with her monogrammed name.
Married on September 4, 2021, the couple had kept their surrogacy plans under wraps until Tove’s arrival. They exchanged vows at Colorado's Dunton Hot Springs, blending their lives amid the picturesque mountains. Collins described the experience, saying, “I’ve never wanted to be someone’s someone more than I do yours, and now I get to be your wife.”
Fast forward to early 2025, and the couple's long-awaited anticipation came to fruition. The birth took place in Northern California, where both of McDowell's parents, acclaimed actress Mary Steenburgen and actor Ted Danson, visited to meet their new granddaughter. McDowell, celebrating the milestone, indirectly hinted at their future family plans last October when he told E! News, “We would like to move to the next stage, so we'll see when it happens!”
Collins, who has publicly embraced her role as McDowell’s partner, continues to express appreciation for the people supporting their family’s creation. She and McDowell often shower affection on social media, showing their bonds through heartfelt tributes. The actress has frequently shared special moments on her Instagram, indicating the deep love and admiration she has for her husband.
The couple’s private life revolves around creativity and cultural engagement. Collins often describes how they split their time between Los Angeles and Copenhagen, intertwined with artists and innovators, inspiring them to embrace the adventurous and artistic facets of life.
Their daughter’s unique name, Tove, pays homage to Finnish author Tove Jansson, known for her beloved Moomin series, which Collins has praised for its significant influence on her life. This connection reinforces the couple’s embrace of creativity and storytelling.
Since becoming engaged about four years ago, Collins and McDowell have shared their relationship milestones with fans. After dating for over a year, they tied the knot, and Collins fondly noted, “On September 4, 2021, we officially became each other’s forever. I love you beyond, @charliemcdowell...”
Collins regularly shines light on McDowell’s accomplishments as both a director and partner. He boasts various directing credits, including successful projects like Silicon Valley and The Discovery. With their collaborative spirit, the couple has even worked together creatively, fostering both personal and professional ties.
Their love story didn’t come without challenges, especially as their lives were intertwined with the public eye. Collins has been candid about how their relationship has not only grown through joyful times but has also been tested by the challenges of fame and scrutiny.
On celebrated occasions, Collins often penned sweet messages marking anniversaries and birthdays. Her heartfelt tribute for McDowell’s recent 40th birthday captured their bond perfectly, as she wrote, “You’re my constant adventure. Happy 40th my love. I can’t wait to grow even older with you and keep frolicking... wherever the future may lead us.”
This ever-growing relationship culminated beautifully with the birth of Tove Jane McDowell. With love and gratitude echoing through their social media, it’s clear the couple is blissfully embracing their transition to parenthood. Their story exemplifies the joy of family, and as they step forward with Tove, the future looks bright for the McDowell clan.