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The $34 Million Divorce And Cultural Heritage: 5 Shocking Facts About Lily Collins' Mother, Jill Tavelman

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Few people know the incredible story of the woman who raised Hollywood star Lily Collins. While the spotlight often shines on Lily’s famous father, legendary musician Phil Collins, it is her mother, Jill Tavelman, who has quietly built an impressive career as a successful entrepreneur, architect, and a powerful voice in Los Angeles' cultural preservation scene. This article, updated for late 2025, delves into the fascinating life of Tavelman, revealing the dramatic details of her high-profile divorce, her unwavering support for her daughter, and her surprising influence in Beverly Hills.

Jill Tavelman is far more than just "Lily Collins' mom"; she is a formidable figure in her own right, known for her resilience, her dedication to the arts, and her commitment to the community. From running an eclectic antique business to her current role as a Cultural Heritage Commissioner, Tavelman's journey is a testament to carving out a powerful identity beyond a famous marriage.

Jill Tavelman: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Jill Tavelman is an American entrepreneur, designer, former actress, and dedicated philanthropist, best known as the second wife of music icon Phil Collins and the mother of actress Lily Collins. Her life has been marked by a fascinating pivot from a background in education and acting to a successful career in business and cultural preservation.

  • Full Name: Jill Tavelman
  • Date of Birth: 1956
  • Age (as of late 2025): 69 years old
  • Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Spouse: Phil Collins (m. 1984; div. 1996)
  • Child: Lily Collins (b. 1989)
  • Parents: Jane Hale (Mother)
  • Known For: Mother of Lily Collins, former wife of Phil Collins, entrepreneur, Cultural Heritage Commissioner, former President of the Beverly Hills Women's Club.
  • Career Highlights: Former school teacher, actress (known for The Beginning and Billy Bush), architect/designer, owner of an eclectic antique business, Cultural Heritage Commissioner in Beverly Hills.
  • Estimated Net Worth: Reported to be around $25 million (largely due to the divorce settlement and business success).

The Infamous 'Fax Divorce' and $34 Million Settlement

One of the most sensational chapters of Jill Tavelman's life centers on her marriage and subsequent divorce from Genesis frontman Phil Collins. The couple married in 1984, but their relationship came to a dramatic end a decade later.

The split is notorious in celebrity history due to the alleged method of communication. Phil Collins is widely reported to have ended the marriage in 1994 by sending a fax to Tavelman while she was in Los Angeles, a detail that became tabloid fodder for years.

The divorce was finalized in 1996, and the financial settlement was staggering for the time. Jill Tavelman received a reported $34 million payout from the legendary musician. This substantial settlement allowed Tavelman to focus on raising her daughter, Lily, and establishing herself as an independent businesswoman in Los Angeles.

Despite the dramatic end to the marriage, both parents have maintained a relationship for the sake of Lily Collins, who moved permanently to Los Angeles with her mother after the divorce. The experience of growing up with an absent father was something Lily addressed openly in her 2017 memoir, Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, but she also spoke of her deep love and forgiveness for her father.

A Career Beyond Hollywood: Architecture, Antiques, and Cultural Preservation

While her ex-husband continued his global music career, Jill Tavelman quietly built a highly successful and diverse professional life, moving away from her early work as a school teacher and her brief acting career. Her career pivots highlight her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for design.

Tavelman established herself as a notable figure in the Los Angeles design world. She is known to have run a successful, eclectic antique business in the city, showcasing her keen eye for design and architecture. Her interest in architecture is not merely casual; she has been described professionally as an architect and designer, often focusing on preserving the historical integrity of her community.

In a testament to her community influence, Tavelman currently serves on the Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commission. Her work in this role is highly topical, involving her in local planning and preservation efforts, such as the debate over the North Roxbury Drive house and the El Rodeo projects. This position shows her commitment to protecting the architectural and historical essence of Beverly Hills, far removed from the rock-and-roll lifestyle of her past marriage.

Furthermore, Tavelman is a prominent leader in philanthropic and social circles. She has served as the President of the prestigious Beverly Hills Women's Club, a role that further solidifies her status as a respected figure in the community.

The Unfiltered Bond: Lily Collins' Rock of Support

The relationship between Jill Tavelman and her daughter, Lily Collins, is often described as one of the strongest mother-daughter bonds in Hollywood. Lily has consistently credited her mother as her "rock," her best friend, and her greatest source of inspiration.

In her 2017 essay collection, Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, Lily Collins dedicated a significant portion to her mother, highlighting Tavelman's strength and unwavering support during her challenging childhood and her struggles with an eating disorder.

Lily's memoir details how Tavelman took her around the world, ensuring she had a grounded and loving upbringing despite the chaos of her parents' divorce and her father's fame. Tavelman’s dedication as a single mother is often celebrated, as she navigated the complexities of raising a child in the public eye while simultaneously building her own independent life.

The strong foundation Tavelman provided is evident in Lily’s successful career, from her breakout role in The Blind Side to her global stardom as Emily Cooper in the hit series Emily in Paris. Even now, as Lily is married to director Charlie McDowell, she frequently posts tributes to her mother on social media, showcasing a deep, ongoing connection.

Key Entities and LSI Keywords Related to Jill Tavelman

To fully understand the context of Jill Tavelman's life, it's essential to recognize the key people, organizations, and events that have shaped her journey. These entities paint a complete picture of her world:

  • Phil Collins: Legendary musician, drummer and singer for the band Genesis, and Jill’s ex-husband.
  • Lily Collins: Their daughter, a Golden Globe-nominated actress and model.
  • Charlie McDowell: Lily Collins' husband, a film director.
  • Simon Collins: Lily Collins' half-brother from Phil Collins' first marriage.
  • Joely Collins: Lily Collins' half-sister.
  • Nicholas Collins: Lily Collins' half-brother from Phil Collins' third marriage.
  • Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commission: Tavelman's current public role, focusing on historical preservation.
  • Beverly Hills Women's Club: Prestigious organization where Tavelman served as President.
  • Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me: Lily Collins’ memoir detailing her life and her mother's crucial support.
  • Antique Business: Tavelman's entrepreneurial venture in Los Angeles.
  • North Roxbury Drive: A location in Beverly Hills where Tavelman has been involved in preservation debates.
  • El Rodeo Projects: Local Beverly Hills projects where Tavelman's commission term was extended through 2024.
  • $34 Million Settlement: The reported amount of the high-profile divorce payout.
  • Fax Divorce: The sensationalized term for how Phil Collins allegedly ended the marriage.
  • Jane Hale: Jill Tavelman's mother.

Jill Tavelman's life story is a compelling narrative of transition and triumph. From the drama of a public divorce to her quiet but influential work in architecture and cultural heritage, she has emerged as a powerful, independent figure, while remaining the steadfast anchor for her internationally famous daughter.

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lily collins mom

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