Lily Collins has marked her father Phil Collins' milestone 75th birthday with a touching social media tribute, sharing rare photographs that offer a glimpse into their cherished father-daughter bond. The Emily in Paris actress, aged 36, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram alongside a series of intimate images, including snapshots of the pair smiling together, vintage Polaroids, and a tender photo of a young Lily being cradled in her father's arms.
A Poignant Celebration Amid Health Challenges
In her caption, Lily expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate this significant occasion with her father. She wrote: 'Yesterday Dad turned 75 and I feel so grateful to have celebrated together. For all you've accomplished, all the joy you've brought so many all over the world for ALL these years, all the lessons we've learned, all the memories we've shared, and all the new ones to come, thank you.'
The actress continued with emotional sincerity: 'I count myself so lucky to have hugged you, laughed with you, and reminisced with you on such a monumental day. Proud is an understatement. Love you to the moon and back again...'
Phil Collins' Candid Health Revelations
Just days before his birthday, the legendary Genesis musician spoke openly about his significant health struggles during an appearance on the BBC podcast Eras with Zoe Ball. Collins detailed a comprehensive range of medical challenges that have dramatically altered his daily life, including requiring a 24-hour live-in nurse, managing long-term nerve damage, dealing with knee and kidney problems, and living with type 2 diabetes.
'I've had everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me,' Collins revealed, describing a particularly difficult period when he contracted COVID-19 while already hospitalised. The music icon characterised the last few years as 'difficult, interesting, frustrating,' acknowledging the profound impact these health issues have had on his life and career.
Lifestyle Changes and Family Focus
During the podcast interview, Collins attributed some of his kidney problems to past drinking habits, stating: 'I'd probably been drinking too much, so my kidneys were messed up. I wasn't one of those guys that sort of stayed up all night drinking. I'd drink during the day, but I guess I had too much of it.'
Despite these challenges, Collins noted that his health-related slowdown has allowed him to spend more quality time with his children. Lily Collins is his daughter with ex-wife Jill Tavelman, while he also shares children Nic Collins (24) and Matthew Collins (18) with wife Orianne Cevey, and has older children Joely Collins (52) and Simon Collins (48) from his previous marriage to Andrea Bertorelli.
The End of an Era in Music
Collins' health struggles culminated in his final performance with Genesis at London's O2 Arena in 2022, after which he officially retired from drumming and touring. The musician reflected on this transition in the documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First, saying: 'I've spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.'
In a subsequent interview with MOJO magazine last year, Collins revealed that his illnesses have not only affected his physical ability to perform but have also diminished his creative drive. 'I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens,' he admitted. 'But I'm not hungry for it anymore.'
A New Perspective on Slowing Down
While fans of Collins' thunderous drum fills and era-defining musical hooks might find his retirement heartbreaking, Lily's birthday tribute offers an alternative perspective. Her loving message suggests that after decades of relentless motion and global success, slowing down can represent its own form of grace and provide precious opportunities for family connection.
The emotional tribute from daughter to father highlights how health challenges, while difficult, can sometimes create space for different kinds of meaningful moments and relationships to flourish.
