Lily Collins, renowned for her role in “Emily in Paris,” and her husband, filmmaker Charlie McDowell, have joyfully announced the birth of their first child, a daughter named Tove Jane McDowell, born via surrogate.
https://www.instagram.com/lilyjcollins/
The couple shared their happiness on Instagram, with Collins posting:
“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…”
https://www.instagram.com/lilyjcollins/
McDowell also expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank you for all the kind messages and love. We are overjoyed and very grateful.” He addressed negative comments about their surrogacy journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion:
“In regards to 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. And it’s okay to spend less time spewing hateful words into the world, especially in regards to a beautiful baby girl who has brought a lot of love into people’s lives.”
The couple’s announcement was met with an outpouring of support from friends and fans alike. Notable figures, including Collins’ “Emily in Paris” co-star Ashley Park, Sofia Richie Grainge, Riley Keough, and Amanda Seyfried, extended their congratulations.
Collins and McDowell, who married in September 2021, have been open about their journey to parenthood. In her memoir, “Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me,” Collins candidly discussed her past struggles with eating disorders and her concerns about fertility. Their decision to pursue surrogacy reflects a thoughtful and personal choice, underscoring the diverse paths to building a family.
The name “Tove” holds special significance for Collins, who has previously expressed admiration for Finnish author Tove Jansson, best known for creating the Moomins. This homage adds a personal touch to their daughter’s name, reflecting the couple’s appreciation for literature and art.
