When people hear the name Jill Tavelman, they often associate it with the legendary musician Phil Collins and their famous daughter, Lily Collins. But Jill is much more than just the ex-wife of a rockstar or the mother of a Hollywood actress. She has lived an intriguing life of her own, making a mark in business, architecture, and the world of antiques.
In this article, we will explore everything about Jill Tavelman—her early life, marriage, divorce, career, and her journey as a mother. If you are curious to learn about her, keep reading as we dive into the life of this remarkable woman.
Who is Jill Tavelman?
Jill Tavelman’s Early Life
Jill Tavelman was born on April 9, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, USA. Unlike her ex-husband, Phil Collins, who was born in England and became a global music icon, Jill lived a relatively quiet life before stepping into the spotlight.
Her father was a well-known Los Angeles businessman, and her mother was an actress and theater artist. Growing up in a family with ties to business and entertainment, Jill developed an appreciation for both fields. However, she remained mostly out of the public eye until her marriage to Phil Collins.
Her Connection to Hollywood
While Jill Tavelman was not a Hollywood actress herself, she was familiar with the industry. Her mother’s involvement in theater and acting exposed her to the entertainment world, which later helped her navigate life as the wife of a famous musician and the mother of an actress.
Jill Tavelman and Phil Collins: A Love Story That Didn’t Last
How Jill Met Phil Collins
Jill Tavelman met Phil Collins in the early 1980s. By that time, Collins was already an international star, known for his work as the drummer and lead singer of the rock band Genesis, as well as his successful solo career.
Their love story quickly blossomed, and the couple got married in 1984.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1989, Jill and Phil welcomed their daughter, Lily Collins, who would go on to become a well-known actress, starring in movies like Mirror Mirror, To the Bone, and Emily in Paris.
Despite being married to one of the biggest musicians in the world, Jill largely stayed away from the spotlight. She focused on raising Lily and maintaining their home life while Phil continued touring and making music.
The Painful Divorce
Unfortunately, Jill and Phil’s marriage did not last. In 1994, after ten years of marriage, the couple divorced.
The divorce was highly publicized, mainly because of Phil Collins’ breakup methods. Reports suggest that Phil ended his marriage with Jill via fax, which became a controversial topic in the media.
The divorce settlement cost Collins a staggering $17 million, making it one of the most expensive celebrity divorces at the time.
Despite the difficult separation, Jill remained strong, focusing on raising Lily Collins and building her own identity beyond being Phil Collins’ ex-wife.
Jill Tavelman’s Career and Business Ventures
After her divorce from Phil Collins, Jill Tavelman did not rely on her settlement money alone. Instead, she pursued her business ventures.
Owner of an Antique Store
One of Jill’s biggest achievements is her antique store called “WAVERLY ON DOHENY” in West Hollywood, California.
She has a passion for architecture, antiques, and historical artifacts, which led her to open this unique store. The shop offers rare and vintage items that attract collectors and interior designers from all over.
A Passion for Architecture
Jill has also been involved in architectural projects. She has a keen interest in historic properties and has purchased and restored several homes, maintaining their original charm while giving them a modern touch.
One of her most notable purchases was in 2016, when she bought an old English-style home in Los Angeles for $12.4 million—the same house that her ex-husband, Phil Collins, once owned.
This showed not only her love for architecture but also her strong independence.
Jill Tavelman as a Mother
Raising Lily Collins
After her divorce, Jill took full responsibility for raising Lily Collins. She made sure her daughter had a normal childhood despite being the daughter of a famous rockstar.
Lily has spoken highly of her mother in multiple interviews, crediting Jill for being her pillar of strength. In her book, Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, Lily opened up about her childhood, her father’s absence, and how her mother played both parental roles.
Lily’s Love and Gratitude for Her Mother
In an emotional Instagram post, Lily once wrote:
“You’ve always been my rock, my safe place, and my best friend. I wouldn’t be who I am today without your endless love and support.”
This shows how close their bond is, and how Jill’s love and dedication shaped Lily into the strong, successful woman she is today.
Where is Jill Tavelman Now?
Even though she keeps a low public profile, Jill Tavelman continues to live a fulfilling life.
- She still runs her antique business.
- She remains close to Lily Collins, often attending her movie premieres and events.
- She continues to explore her passion for architecture and historical preservation.
Unlike many celebrity ex-wives, Jill never sought media attention. Instead, she focused on her family, her business, and her passions.
Interesting Facts About Jill Tavelman
Here are some lesser-known facts about Jill:
✔️ She is not active on social media and prefers to live privately.
✔️ Despite her divorce from Phil Collins, she never spoke negatively about him in public.
✔️ She has a great sense of humor and loves collecting vintage items.
✔️ She once bought back her ex-husband’s house, showing her strong independence.
Conclusion
Jill Tavelman is more than just Phil Collins’ ex-wife or Lily Collins’ mother. She is a strong, independent woman who built her path. From running a successful antique store to restoring historic homes, she has followed her passions while staying away from the spotlight. Even after her divorce, she stayed graceful and private, focusing on her daughter and business.
Her story teaches us that life isn’t just about fame—it’s about strength, love, and passion. She raised Lily Collins with kindness and care, proving that a mother’s love is the greatest strength. Jill may live a quiet life, but her impact is big. She is a businesswoman, a mother, and an inspiration.
FAQs
Q: What does Jill Tavelman do now?
A: She runs an antique store called “Waverly on Doheny” and is involved in architecture and home restoration.
Q: Is Jill Tavelman married?
A: No, she never remarried after her divorce from Phil Collins.
Q: How did Jill Tavelman and Phil Collins meet?
A: They met in the 1980s, and their love story led to their marriage in 1984.
Q: How much was Jill Tavelman’s divorce settlement?
A: She reportedly received $17 million after her divorce from Phil Collins in 1994.
Q: Does Jill Tavelman have social media?
A: No, she prefers to live a private life and is not active on social media.
Q: What is Jill Tavelman’s relationship with Lily Collins?
A: They have a very close bond, and Lily has often praised her mother for raising her with love and strength.
Q: Where does Jill Tavelman live?
A: She lives in Los Angeles, California, where she runs her business and enjoys a peaceful life.
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