Phil Collins has told how his five children were called to his bedside for a “final goodbye” after he was admitted to a Swiss hospital in April 2024. The 75-year-old musician said his long-time manager had summoned them to the hospital as decisions were made about whether to keep him on life support.
In an interview with The Sunday Times magazine, Collins recalled: “Because there were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ kind of thing. My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up. People were coming to say goodbye.”
He added: “But I don’t remember them coming; I didn’t have any idea this was going on. They were all worried that they wouldn’t see me again. It could all have gone so terribly wrong.”
Recovery and ongoing health battles
Collins survived the health crisis, but continues to deal with type 2 diabetes and nerve damage in his hands. He uses crutches after multiple operations on his spine and knees. He welcomed 2026 surrounded by his family at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in London.
Speaking about his daughter, Emily in Paris actress Lily Collins, he said: “She was sitting beside me in tears, saying, ‘I never thought I’d get these moments.’ We had an incredible time. I can’t overemphasise how fantastic it was.”
Wish to find love again
The “In the Air Tonight” singer also said he would like to fall in love again, but is not sure it is realistic. “I’d love to be in love again. I would love a relationship. Kissing somebody, for example. You know, pretty basic stuff,” he said.
He added: “I think it’s probably too late for that. I’m not a very social person. I don’t, you know, I don’t go out.”
Relationship with Orianne Cevey
In 2020, Collins was devastated to learn that Orianne Cevey, who divorced him in 2006 after seven years of marriage before they reunited a decade later, had secretly married another man, Thomas Bates, while they were still living together.
Although Cevey is no longer with Bates, Collins said the pair remain in contact as co-parents to sons Nic, 25, and Matthew, 20. Asked if he would like more to their relationship, he replied: “Well, I’d like it to be. But I don’t think it’s a good idea right now. Just because I know what I’m like. I would probably fall again. Maybe. I mean, we were very much in love.”
