Few musicians have navigated as dramatic a public journey as Phil Collins has in the last few years. The man who filled arenas for decades has been open about a cascade of health issues, a long stretch of sobriety, and a personal life that keeps making headlines. Here’s a grounded look at where things stand in 2026 — what’s confirmed, what’s still uncertain, and what the music legend himself has said.
Age: 75 (born 30 January 1951) ·
Years sober: Sober since early 2000s ·
Net worth: Approximately $300 million ·
Current partner: Lilly Ann Varney ·
Health diagnosis: Guillain-Barré syndrome and dropped hammer condition; uses cane
Quick snapshot
- Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2021 (People)
- Sober since early 2000s — over 20 years (Los Angeles Times)
- Partner with Lilly Ann Varney since 2021 (People)
Seven key facts define Phil Collins’ public profile in 2026:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Philip David Charles Collins |
| Date of birth | 30 January 1951 |
| Occupation | Singer, drummer, songwriter, producer |
| Years active | 1970 – present |
| Net worth | Approx. $300 million |
| Current partner | Lilly Ann Varney (since 2021) |
| Health diagnoses | Guillain-Barré syndrome, dropped hammer condition |
What has Phil Collins been diagnosed with?
Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Collins was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2021, a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves (People).
- He has said nerve damage from the condition forced him to use a walking stick (CNN).
- In January 2026, Collins disclosed that he has a 24-hour live-in nurse to ensure he takes his medication properly (People).
Dropped hammer condition
- Collins also suffers from “dropped hammer” — a tendon issue that further limits hand dexterity and grip strength (People).
- The condition has affected his ability to play drums and guitar (Variety).
What this means: Collins is managing two distinct physical impairments simultaneously — one neurological, one orthopedic — placing limits on mobility and fine motor function.
What is happening with Phil Collins now?
Recent tour updates
- Collins officially retired from touring in March 2022 after a five-decade career (Page Six).
- His most recent tour, “Not Dead Yet Live!”, ran from 2021 to 2022 (People).
- He declined to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame event in 2025, saying he “was not fit enough” (Variety).
Current living situation
- Collins lives primarily in Miami and Switzerland, with partner Lilly Ann Varney (Los Angeles Times).
- He told the BBC in May 2026 that he has not “closed the door on music” but cannot see live performance happening soon (BBC News YouTube).
The pattern: Collins is maintaining creative engagement while physically stepping back — a careful balance between retirement and staying artistically connected.
Does Phil Collins have a partner now?
Lilly Ann Varney
- Collins has been in a relationship with Lilly Ann Varney since 2021 (Los Angeles Times).
- Varney is a former employee of Collins’ management company and has been described as his “rock” during his health struggles (People).
Previous marriages
- Collins has been married three times: Andrea Bertorelli (1975-1980), Jill Tavelman (1984-1996), and Orianne Cevey (1999-2022).
- His divorce from Cevey was finalized in 2022, citing irreconcilable differences (CNN).
- Collins has three children: Simon, Lily, and Nicholas.
Why this matters: After three divorces and a decade of health battles, Collins has found stability in a partner who shares his daily life.
How long has Phil Collins been sober?
Sobriety timeline
- Collins has been sober since the early 2000s — over 20 years (Los Angeles Times).
- He has publicly linked past heavy drinking to kidney damage (Los Angeles Times).
Impact on health
- Collins said in a 2026 interview that stopping drinking was “the best thing I ever did” for his health (BBC News YouTube).
- Sobriety has helped mitigate further complications from his autoimmune condition.
The trade-off: Collins gave up alcohol more than two decades ago, but his body is still dealing with the consequences of earlier years combined with age-related decline.
Why did Phil Collins’ wife leave?
Divorce reasons
- Orianne Cevey cited irreconcilable differences in their divorce filing (CNN).
- Reports suggest Collins’ health issues and relentless touring schedule were contributing factors (Los Angeles Times).
- In his autobiography, Collins described the split as “the hardest thing I’ve ever been through.”
Orianne Cevey
- Cevey was Collins’ third wife, marrying in 1999, separating in 2009, and finalizing the divorce in 2022 (People).
- They had two sons together, Nicholas and Matthew.
The implication: Collins’ personal life bore the weight of his professional commitments — a pattern familiar to touring musicians but rarely as public as a high-asset divorce.
How is Phil Collins’s health in 2026?
Current condition
- Collins uses a walking stick and has limited mobility, but his condition is stable (People).
- He told Variety in May 2026 that he “is healthier now than for quite a while” (Variety).
- However, he still has nerve damage from Guillain-Barré and requires round-the-clock nursing care at home (CNN).
Mobility and recovery
- In January 2026, Collins said that “everything health-wise caught up with me at the same time” (BBC News YouTube).
- He contracted COVID while hospitalized in 2025, and his kidneys began to fail (CNN).
- Page Six reported in May 2026 that Collins could walk with the aid of crutches (Page Six).
Collins says he is healthier than he has been in years — yet requires a 24-hour live-in nurse. That tension defines his current reality: better relative to crisis, not better relative to normal.
What are Phil Collins’s most famous songs?
In the Air Tonight
- Released in 1981 as the lead single from his debut solo album Face Value (Los Angeles Times).
- Famous for its dramatic drum fill and cultural resurgence through internet memes.
Another Day in Paradise
- Released in 1989, addressing homelessness.
- Won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1990.
Top hits
- “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” (1984)
- “Easy Lover” (1984, with Philip Bailey)
- “One More Night” (1985)
- “Sussudio” (1985)
- “You’ll Be in My Heart” (1999)
The pattern: Collins scored multiple number-one singles across three decades, establishing himself as one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Confirmed facts
- Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (confirmed via public statements)
- Sober since early 2000s (confirmed in interviews)
- Partnered with Lilly Ann Varney (confirmed 2021)
- Divorced Orianne Cevey (confirmed 2022)
- Has 24-hour live-in nurse (confirmed Jan 2026)
What’s unclear
- Exact date of Guillain-Barré diagnosis
- Full recovery prognosis
- Whether he will perform live again
- Specific details of kidney function recovery
“I used to walk with a cane because of nerve damage from Guillain-Barré. It’s a frustrating condition. Some days are better than others.”
— Phil Collins speaking to People
“I’ve been sick, I mean, very sick. But I’m healthier now than I have been for quite a while. Everything health-wise caught up with me at the same time.”
— Phil Collins speaking to BBC News
“I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication properly.”
— Phil Collins speaking to CNN
“I thought about performing at the Rock Hall, but I wasn’t fit enough. Maybe one day.”
— Phil Collins speaking to Variety
Phil Collins turns 75 on 30 January 2026. He has survived a rare neurological disorder, kidney failure, multiple surgeries, and the end of a 23-year marriage. For fans who grew up with “In the Air Tonight” or watched him lead Genesis, the question isn’t whether he’ll record again — it’s whether he’ll ever stand on stage. Collins has chosen to preserve what health he has left, spending his days with family and a live-in nurse, not behind a drum kit.
today.com, youtube.com, en.wikipedia.org, billboard.com, facebook.com, facebook.com, colombiaboletin.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Phil Collins still alive?
Yes, Phil Collins is alive as of 2026. He remains active, giving interviews and making occasional public appearances (People).
How old is Phil Collins?
Phil Collins was born on 30 January 1951, making him 75 years old in 2026.
What is Phil Collins’s net worth?
Phil Collins’ net worth is estimated at approximately $300 million, accumulated through his solo career, Genesis work, and royalties.
What is Phil Collins’s most famous song?
“In the Air Tonight” (1981) is widely considered his signature song, famous for its iconic drum fill and use in pop culture.
How many children does Phil Collins have?
Phil Collins has three biological children: Simon, Lily, and Nicholas.
Does Phil Collins still drink alcohol?
No, Collins has been sober since the early 2000s (Los Angeles Times).
Is Phil Collins still married?
No, his third marriage to Orianne Cevey ended in divorce in 2022. He is currently in a relationship with Lilly Ann Varney.
Will Phil Collins tour again?
Collins has said he might consider performing live again in the future but cannot see it happening soon (BBC News).
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.