Lily Collins has posted a deeply personal and emotional tribute to her legendary father, Phil Collins, as the music icon celebrated his 75th birthday over the weekend. The heartfelt message comes just days after the Genesis singer and drummer candidly discussed his significant and ongoing health struggles in a revealing new interview.
A Daughter's Loving Tribute on a Milestone Birthday
The Emily in Paris star, aged 36, took to Instagram to mark the special occasion with a rare contemporary photograph of the pair together, alongside a nostalgic throwback image showing Phil carrying her as a young child. In the recent snap, Lily beams with evident joy as she cosies up to her father, who officially retired from touring in 2022.
Her accompanying caption overflowed with pride and gratitude. "Yesterday Dad turned 75 and I feel so grateful to have celebrated together," she wrote. "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."
Lily continued, expressing how fortunate she felt to have shared the monumental day with him, concluding with the powerful sentiment: "Proud is an understatement. Love you to the moon and back again…"
Fan Reactions and a Legendary Legacy
The post quickly garnered an outpouring of support and congratulations from fans worldwide, who echoed Lily's admiration for the musical icon. Many shared how Phil Collins' work has been the soundtrack to their lives, with one fan noting, "our dad is the soundtrack to so many of our lives." Others celebrated his enduring influence, commenting on how his music "will never die" and has brought immense joy to generations of listeners.
Phil Collins is father to five children, including Lily and her brothers Simon and Nic, who have both followed in his footsteps to become drummers themselves.
Candid Confessions: Phil Collins Details His Health Journey
The birthday celebrations arrive against the backdrop of Phil Collins' frank discussion about his health in an interview with Zoe Ball for BBC Two's Eras – In Conversation, recorded to mark his 75th year. The musician opened up about a convergence of serious medical issues that have marked his recent life.
Collins revealed a daunting list of challenges, including suffering from type 2 diabetes, complications from a 2007 spine injury, and having undergone five separate knee operations. He disclosed that he now requires a 24-hour live-in nurse to manage his medication and admitted that his kidneys "packed up through boozing," a consequence of what he described as drinking too much after coming off tour.
"I had everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me," he stated. "I got COVID in hospital - my kidneys started to back up, you know, everything that started that could, all seemed to converge at the same time." He spent months in hospital as a result. Despite these trials, Collins maintains a resilient outlook, famously quipping that there is "life in the old dog yet."
Reflections on Life, Family, and Future Music
When asked by Zoe Ball what life has taught him through his adventures and his family, Collins reflected thoughtfully. He expressed a desire to make amends for past actions and immense pride in his five children, whom he described as "amazingly well adjusted" despite life's complexities.
Looking ahead, his goals are focused on regaining full mobility and health. Perhaps most intriguingly for fans, he hinted at a potential return to music. "The things that are ahead for me would be, apart from just being back to being totally mobile and healthy, is go in there and have a fiddle about and see if there's more music," he mused, suggesting that the creative spark may still be there to explore.
This poignant blend of family celebration, public admiration, and personal vulnerability paints a complete picture of a beloved artist at a significant milestone, surrounded by love while navigating a difficult health journey.
