April 5, 2025

Meet Jill Tavelman – The Woman Behind Lily Collins

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Jill Tavelman
Image Credit: Gettyimages

Lily Collins’s name will remind you of how amazing she was in movies and TV episodes like Emily in Paris. But behind this beautiful actress is her extraordinary and brave mother, Jill Tavelman. Living far from the press is absolutely vital for Jill. She is most famously the ex-wife of acclaimed musician Phil Collins. From Jill’s vantage point, success is quiet yet powerful. Lily was raised by her alone; she runs her own business now. Let me tell her story.

Jill’s Early Life – Who Was She Before Phil Collins?

She was born in Los Angeles, California on April 9, 1956. Her father, a Jew from Poland, emigrated to Canada; not much is known about her early years. She was surrounded by creative people who were equally motivated, nevertheless, in Los Angeles.

Unlike many well-known Hollywood personalities, Jill Tavelman did not aim to be famous. Her work would follow from her greater interest in design and architecture. She wanted not to be in show business, but when she met Phil Collins fate had other plans.

Falling in Love with a Rockstar and Marriage to Phil Collins

In the early 1980s, when Jill and Phil Collins met, Phil’s singing career was on peak. Phil was always on the road. He was the drummer and lead singer of Genesis and afterward worked as a solo artist. Even though his job was busy, he and Jill hit it off, and in 1984 they got married.

Getting married to a famous singer wasn’t always easy. Phil was on tour a lot, so Jill had to take care of her own life. Their lives changed forever, though, when they had their daughter Lily Collins in 1989. Jill loved being a mom and made sure Lily had a stable home, even though their family was famous.

 Phil Collins
Image Credit: people

When Things Fell Apart

Too unfortunate, Jill and Phil’s marriage did not turn out like a fairy tale. About midway through the 1990s, cracks started to appear. Phil’s demanding work and personal troubles caused them difficulties getting along. The couple parted in 1996, and their divorce wasn’t simple.

The most often discussed aspect of their divorce was Phil’s purportedly faxing termination of it. This startling truth made headlines in the tabloids, and many attacked Phil for ending their marriage in such a chilly manner. Jill Tavelman was more concerned in parenting Lily than in the public drama.

Life After Divorce

When Jill Tavelman got divorced, she decided to stay out of the public eye. She didn’t try to get attention; instead, she focused on being a great mom to Lily. It wasn’t easy to raise a child in Hollywood when you were married to a famous person and then divorced him. However, Jill made sure that Lily grew up in a normal way.

Jill Tavelman also worked hard on her job at the same time. She started her own business because she loved building and old things. After that, she opened an antiques shop in West Hollywood called WAVERLY ON DOHENY. People who like design and collectibles quickly started going to the store because of its unique and old items.

Jill and Lily Collins Bond

Jill and Lily have a great friendship. Unlike many well-known children raised in Hollywood, Lily had a solid and consistent presence in her life: her mother.

Phil Collins
Image Credit: Gettyimages

Lily has discussed a lot on how Jill Tavelman inspired her throughout interviews. She claims her mother kept her modest and grounded even if her father is well-liked. In 2017 Lily penned Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, in which she discussed her early years, challenges, and how her mother gave her confidence.

Jill was more than a mom; she was a good example. Lily learned from her how important it is to work hard, be independent, and be true to yourself. Jill made sure Lily never felt alone, even when Phil Collins wasn’t around.

Where is Jill Tavelman Now?

Still living a peaceful and discreet life in Los Angeles today is Jill. She still runs her antique store, now a hidden treasure for anyone with an eye toward the past. Unlike many well-known ex-wives, she has not drawn attention or celebrity from her past. She now concentrates on her family and her passions.

She is still a big part of Lily Collins’ life, even though she doesn’t show up in public very often. Jill has always been Lily’s biggest fan, even as she has become famous in Hollywood.

More Than Just a Celebrity Ex-Wife

The story of Jill Tavelman shows that you can be successful even if you’re not famous. She made her own life, even though she was married to one of the most famous artists of all time. She raised a smart and successful kid by herself. Through her business, she made her own way in the fashion and antiques worlds..

She reminds us that life isn’t limited to the grand narratives. It also concerns the little victories, close relationships we create, and the things we leave behind. Jill Tavelman is not only “Phil Collins’ ex-wife” or “Lily Collins’ mother.” One should be proud of her since she is a strong lady who created her own path in the world.