As National Grandparents Day approaches on September 13, 2026, the legacy of Bill Withers extends beyond his timeless music to a children's book that embodies the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers everywhere. 'Grandma's Hands,' a 32-page children's book adapted from Withers' cherished 1971 song, was released in July 2023 by his wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers. Illustrated by award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, the book brings the song's heartfelt lyrics to life, celebrating the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
The song 'Grandma's Hands' originally appeared on Withers' debut album 'Just as I Am' and became a hit, reaching No. 18 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its transformation into a children's book is more than an artistic endeavor; it is a tribute that carries forward Withers' mission of fostering creativity, giving back to community, and nurturing future storytellers and songwriters.
The Withers family's commitment to service is evident in their ongoing philanthropic efforts. Marcia Withers serves on the board of the Stuttering Association of the Young (SAY), which honored Bill in 2007, and in June 2025, she accepted an award for Bill from Generations United, a Washington DC-based organization advocating for intergenerational families. The family has also established music education scholarships and supports emerging songwriters through the annual Songwriters Hall of Fame's Bill Withers Scholarship.
Kori Withers, a singer-songwriter, continues her father's melodious and compassionate spirit through performances and community engagement. She recently performed his songs at a concert benefiting Free Horse Arts, a nonprofit offering equine-assisted programs for individuals with diverse abilities. Her work with Free Horse Arts runs deeper as she serves on its board, honoring the bond with nature that shaped her father's inner life.
These efforts reflect a legacy built both in moments of personal love and in how we continue to uplift others. The children's book, available at https://grandmashandsbook.com, stands as a testament to that enduring legacy. Additionally, the BulLion Foundation, a nonprofit, multi-cultural global initiative, aims to provide underprivileged people, especially the youth, with opportunities, resources, and supplies needed to create a healthy and stable lifestyle for themselves and their families. Their mission to improve quality of life through arts, music, sports, and other disciplines aligns with the Withers family's values.
As we celebrate Grandparents Day, the story of 'Grandma's Hands' reminds us that legacy is built not only through art but through service and community. The book, the performances, and the scholarships all demonstrate how love endures across generations, inspiring future generations to carry forward the values of compassion and creativity.
