Lily Collins, the star of the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris, and her husband, filmmaker Charlie McDowell, have welcomed their first child, marking a heartwarming chapter in their lives. The couple announced the arrival of their baby girl, Tove Jane McDowell, on January 31, 2025, through touching social media posts. "Welcome to the center of our world Tove Jane McDowell," they wrote, expressing their immense gratitude to their incredible surrogate and the support they received throughout the surrogacy process. Collins and McDowell concluded their heartfelt message with, "We love you to the moon and back again," alongside a sweet photo of their daughter, snuggled contently in her bassinet.
The online announcement did not go unnoticed, as their famous friends and fans flooded the comments section with warm wishes. Actress Katherine Langford, known for her role in 13 Reasons Why, expressed her happiness, tweeting, "So happy for you both! 🕊🕊" Other celebrities chimed in as well, including 'Modern Family's' Sarah Hyland, who admitted to being emotional over the news.
Despite the overwhelming support, the joyous announcement was met with some criticism from those who took issue with the couple’s choice to have their baby via surrogacy. Some detractors made unkind comments on social media, questioning the decision-making process behind adopting this route to parenthood. Responding to the negativity, Charlie McDowell took to Instagram to defend their choice. "Thank you for all the kind messages and love. We are overjoyed and very grateful. Regarding the unkind messages about surrogacy and our path to having a baby—it's okay to not be an expert on surrogacy. It's okay to not know why someone might need a surrogate to have a child. It's okay to not know the motivations of a surrogate, regardless of what you assume," he passionately stated.
McDowell’s comments encapsulated his belief in the importance of kindness and empathy. He urged critics to recognize the love brought by their daughter, stating, "...especially about a beautiful baby girl who has brought a lot of love to people’s lives. That’s all for now because she just pooped and I need to change her diaper." His light-hearted quip brought some humor to the situation, showcasing the couple's joy amid the challenges.
The discussion surrounding surrogacy is not new, yet it often ignites debates on social media, particularly concerning celebrity circumstances. McDowell's strong stand against trolls illuminates the often-misunderstood aspects of surrogacy; the realities behind it are not black and white, and assumptions can misrepresent complex personal journeys. The couple's advocacy for kindness reflects their serious yet hopeful approach to parenting.
Lily Collins, born to musician Phil Collins, rose to fame for her captivating performances, particularly as the lead character Emily Cooper in Emily in Paris. The series, which captures the romantic chaos of living and working in Paris, has garnered significant acclaim. Recently, Collins completed her West End stage debut, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her commitment to her craft and personal growth has shaped her narrative, which now includes her new role as a mother.
The couple's love story began back in 2019 when they met on the set of the film Gilded Rage. Shortly after, they adopted their dog and made their relationship public on Instagram. McDowell proposed to Collins the following year with much anticipation, leading to their beautiful wedding ceremony held in the scenic Dunton, Colorado, in September 2021. With their daughter now here, they have entered the next phase of their lives and family.
Reflecting on her past, Collins had previously shared her aspirations of becoming a parent, which had been influenced by her recovery from personal struggles, including battles with eating disorders. This inspiration to create her family takes on even more meaning as she navigates her new role as a mother, aiming to raise her child with love and care.
With their new daughter, Tove, Collins and McDowell are set to embrace the challenges and joys of parenthood together. Their story serves not only as one of celebration but also as encouragement for others to show kindness and support for various paths to parenthood, including surrogacy. The couple’s heartfelt appreciation for their surrogate serves as a reminder of the love and effort it takes to form families today. While facing both praise and criticism, they are stepping forward with their little one, ready to embrace the adventures of raising Tove Jane McDowell.