Phil Collins' Daughter Lily Feared His Death From Alcoholism
The singer also shared that his daughter regrets writing an 'open letter' to him years ago.
Phil Collins has revealed that his daughter, actress Lily Collins, experienced intense fear for his life due to his struggles with alcoholism, to the point of bursting into tears. The singer recounted an incident where his family gathered in Switzerland to make difficult decisions as he was on life support.
Appearing on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 75-year-old musician detailed his battle with alcohol, which he said became more pronounced after his retirement. He explained that he did not drink while working but turned to alcohol later, particularly as his marriage to his third wife, Orianne Cevey, broke down in 2020. Collins described his lifestyle as not fitting the typical 'caricature of a drunk,' as he refrained from drinking after 6 p.m. and never while performing.
Collins' health crisis peaked two years ago when he was hospitalized with pancreatitis, a condition linked to his drinking. He spent time on a dialysis machine, and the situation was dire enough that his children were brought together to discuss his critical condition. He recalled that this hospital stay was "literally sobering."
Last Christmas, Lily Collins expressed her fears, telling her father, "I never thought that my child would get to know her grandfather." Her emotional reaction underscored the severity of his past struggles and the family's relief at his recovery.
Phil Collins also discussed an open letter Lily wrote in 2017 in her book, "Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me." In the letter, she forgave him for not being the father she expected and for his shortcomings. Collins admitted he read the letter only once and found it hurtful. He acknowledged that he treated Lily's mother poorly and had not always been present during Lily's childhood, particularly after his first marriage ended and he moved to Switzerland. Lily, who was five when her parents separated, would only see her father during school holidays.
Lily has since expressed regret over the letter, telling her father she wished she hadn't written it because she felt it was hurtful. Collins stated that while he understood her perspective, he did not want to dwell on the past. He noted that he had always tried to be there for his children despite his marital issues and career demands, which often took him away from home for extended periods.