Lily Collins has officially become a mother for the first time, sharing the joyous news on social media with her husband, Charlie McDowell, announcing the birth of their daughter, Tove Jane McDowell. The couple welcomed their bundle of joy via surrogacy, and Collins made her heartfelt announcement on Instagram, introducing their daughter with the words, "Welcome to the center of our world, Tove Jane McDowell. Words will never express our infinite gratitude for our incredible surrogate and everyone who has helped us along the way. We love you to the moon and back." This marks a significant milestone for the 35-year-old actress, known for her role as Emily Cooper in the Netflix hit series "Emily in Paris."
Little Tove was born earlier this week at a hospital in California, and the news of her arrival was revealed publicly on January 31, 2025. Collins’ announcement took many by surprise, as neither she nor McDowell, 41, had previously disclosed they were expecting. The couple tied the knot in September 2021, after several years of dating, and had long expressed their desire to start a family.
Charlie's warm response to their followers reflected their overwhelming joy. He added on Instagram, "Thank you for all the kind messages and love. We are overjoyed and immensely grateful". Amidst the excitement, the couple also faced scrutiny and negative comments surrounding their choice of surrogacy. Addressing these concerns, McDowell wrote, "It's okay not to be experts on surrogacy. It's okay not to know why someone might need a surrogate to have a child... It’s alright to dedicate less time to spreading words of hate, especially when it involves a beautiful baby who has brought so much love to people's lives."
The couple's private life has been relatively under wraps, making their sudden announcement even more unexpected. Lily Collins, the daughter of renowned musician Phil Collins, has had her share of struggles, including openly discussing her past battles with food disorders. She has repeatedly expressed how her aspirations of becoming a mother played a role in her recovery, stating, "I wanted children. I didn’t want this to be something I carried with me."
Besides starring as the charmingly ambitious Emily Cooper, Collins has made her mark on the entertainment industry with other notable roles and journalism endeavors, writing for magazines like Teen Vogue. McDowell, himself the son of Oscar winner Mary Steenburgen and actor Malcolm McDowell, is also making waves as a director and screenwriter, with projects reflecting their shared creative pursuits. The two first met on the set of "Gilded Rage" and have been inseparable since, swiftly moving from engagement to wedding within just two years of dating.
The couple's romantic posts during their engagement reflected their deep bond, with Collins sharing, "I’ve waited for you my whole life and I can’t wait to spend our lives together." Their mutual respect and love for one another has been on full display, inspiring many loyal fans and admirers.
With the arrival of their daughter, Tove Jane, it is clear this love story has taken on a new chapter. The name Jane not only honors their beloved baby but also pays homage to Collins' own middle name, deepening the significance of this special moment. Their commitment to family and love shines through their words and actions, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for this beautiful family. Couples like Collins and McDowell challenge societal expectations and norms surrounding family growth, proving love knows no bounds.
With the birth of Tove Jane McDowell, Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell have embraced their new roles as parents, filled with joy and gratitude. The couple plans to navigate this new adventure together, supported by their loving community, and ready to shower their little one with affection. The love and excitement surrounding the family continue to grow, as they cherish each moment with their precious daughter.