Lily Collins Pays Tribute to Father Phil Collins on Fathers Day Amid His Ongoing Health Struggles
"Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I’m endlessly grateful for your unconditional love, guidance and support. Now as a parent, I have a newly found understanding and deeper appreciation for everything you’ve done and continue to do," the 37‑year‑old actress wrote. The post was paired with a photo of Collins’ son, Tove Jane, who arrived via surrogate in January 2025.
In the same story, Lily celebrated her husband, director Charlie McDowell. A picture of McDowell playing with Tove earned the caption, "My absolute favorite view. Happy Father’s Day @charliemcdowell. Seeing lil T light up with you and experience the world by your side is the greatest gift. Tove and I couldn’t love you any more." Mary Steenburgen, McDowell’s mother, replied in the comments: "Happy Father’s Day @charliemcdowell. I couldn’t be prouder of the father you are."
Phil Collins stepped away from touring in 2022, and his health has since taken center stage. In a January interview with BBC Radio 2, he disclosed that a 24‑hour live‑in nurse now monitors his medication, while he continues to battle knee problems and other complications. Multiple outlets have reported that he has undergone five knee surgeries and has dealt with kidney issues linked to long‑term alcohol use. Collins also revealed that an upper‑neck injury caused vertebral damage and lasting nerve damage, limiting his ability to perform.
The 75‑year‑old’s family spans six children. With former partner Jill Tavelman he has Lily Collins; with Andrea Bertorelli, Joely (53) and Simon (49); and with Orianne Cevey, Nic (24) and Matthew (21). Lily has affectionately dubbed him "Grandpa P"—a nickname she used in a June 2025 Instagram post celebrating the song "You’ll Be in My Heart," which Collins wrote and recorded for Disney’s 1999 film Tarzan and has long used as a lullaby for Lily.
The Father’s Day tribute underscores the close bond between father and daughter. Lily’s earlier posts have repeatedly highlighted the song’s significance. In June 2025, she wrote, "Still saying ‘That’s my dad!’ 25 years later. Now, I get to play Tarzan for my own daughter, who will one day point at the screen and say ‘That’s my grandpa!’ Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I love you and am forever proud to be your daughter."
Collins’ health updates have been covered by mainstream outlets such as The National Desk, CNN, and BBC. His retirement from performing was confirmed by multiple sources, noting that his last live show with Genesis occurred in 2022. The 24‑hour nursing care arrangement was first reported by The National Desk and later corroborated by CNN and OK Magazine.
While Collins remains a celebrated figure in music and film, his current medical situation has shifted his public presence from touring and recording to a focus on health and family. The tribute from Lily Collins on Father’s Day serves as a public reminder of his enduring influence on his children and the broader entertainment community.
As of now, there are no announced plans for Collins to resume live performances. His health status continues to be monitored by his medical team, and his family remains active on social media, sharing updates and expressing gratitude for support from fans worldwide.
The story highlights the intersection of celebrity family dynamics, health advocacy, and the enduring legacy of a musician whose work has spanned decades. It also reflects the broader trend of public figures sharing personal health journeys with audiences, fostering awareness and empathy.
In the coming months, fans can expect further updates from Collins’ representatives regarding his medical progress, as well as potential future projects that may involve his children in the entertainment industry.