Lily Collins, best known for her role in the hit series Emily in Paris, has become a first-time mother after welcoming her first child via surrogacy. The beloved actress shared the joyous news on her official Instagram account alongside her husband, filmmaker Charlie McDowell.
Collins posted a heartwarming photo of her newborn daughter, Tove Jane McDowell, along with a heartfelt message expressing gratitude to her surrogate and everyone who supported them throughout her pregnancy.
In her Instagram post, Lily wrote: “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.”
Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell’s Journey to Parenthood
Lily and Charlie tied the knot in September 2021, in a private ceremony in Colorado. The couple’s relationship was marked by mutual respect and admiration, culminating in the decision to start a family.
Lily is the daughter of Phil Collins, the iconic Genesis frontman, and Jill Tavelman, while Charlie McDowell is the son of actors Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen. Mary is currently married to Ted Danson, Charlie’s stepfather.
Meet Baby Tove Jane McDowell
In the Instagram photo, baby Tove Jane McDowell is seen lying comfortably in a soft fleece convertible bassinet, wearing a beige onesie and a cute gray knit cap adorned with floral designs.
The image shows a white knit blanket with Lily’s first name stitched in elegant gold letters, placed next to the bassinet. Someone, possibly her mother, gently rests a hand on baby Tove for a tender moment.
Lily Collins has become a first-time mother after welcoming a child via surrogacy
Surrogacy Journey
According to sources close to the couple, Lily and Charlie’s surrogate gave birth to baby Tove earlier this week in Northern California. Charlie’s mother, Mary McDowell, and his stepfather, Ted Danson, were seen visiting the baby in the hospital shortly after her birth.
Lily and Charlie expressed immense love and gratitude for their new addition. They had kept their surrogacy plans under wraps until after the birth, maintaining a sense of privacy throughout their journey.
Collins shares the baby girl, named Tove Jane McDowell, with her husband, filmmaker Charlie McDowell; pictured together in February 2024 in London
The Name Tove Jane
In October of last year, Charlie had already expressed his and Lily’s desire to become parents. He spoke to E! News, stating, “We want to move into that next stage, so we’ll see when it happens!”
Charlie’s latest film, The Summer Book, might offer a clue about the origin of his daughter’s name. The movie is based on the 1972 novel of the same name by Finnish writer and illustrator Tove Jansson, known for the beloved Moomin series.
According to TMZ, Lily and Charlie’s surrogate gave birth to Tove earlier this week in Northern California; pictured together in October in London
Lily’s interest in Jansson’s work is evident. In 2023, she co-hosted a podcast exploring Jansson’s Moomin series, sharing her admiration for the themes of equality, respect for nature, and adventure.
Charlie’s latest film is The Summer Book, based on the novel by Tove Jansson, which may indicate the inspiration for their daughter’s first name. The Finnish novelist and illustrator is known for her literary fiction and beloved Moomin novels; seen with Moomin figures in 1956
Future Plans
Lily and Charlie’s commitment to family is clear, and they seem eager to welcome more children in the future. Their journey highlights the growing acceptance and understanding of surrogacy and the complexities of modern parenthood.
As Lily and Charlie navigate this new chapter, their love for each other and their daughter continues to inspire fans worldwide.
