As National Grandparents Day approaches on September 13, 2026, the legacy of Bill Withers and his beloved song "Grandma's Hands" is being celebrated not only through music but through a children's book and ongoing philanthropic efforts. The 32-page book, released in July 2023, was created by Withers' wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers. It transforms the heartfelt lyrics into a visual narrative that honors the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Originally released in 1971 on Withers' debut album "Just as I Am," "Grandma's Hands" was an ode to his own grandmother. The single reached No. 18 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, the book, illustrated by award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, brings those lyrics to life, evoking warmth, memory, and unconditional love. It "celebrates the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers everywhere," serving as a tribute that extends beyond art.
The Withers family has long been committed to carrying forward Bill's values of community engagement and service. In addition to establishing music education scholarships, Marcia Withers supports emerging songwriters through the annual Songwriters Hall of Fame's Bill Withers Scholarship. She also serves on the board of the Stuttering Association of the Young (SAY), which honored Bill in 2007. In June 2025, Marcia accepted an award for Bill from Generations United, a Washington DC-based organization advocating for inter-generational families.
Kori Withers, a singer-songwriter in her own right, continues her father's melodious and compassionate spirit. She has performed his songs at events such as a recent concert benefiting Free Horse Arts, a nonprofit offering equine-assisted programs for individuals with diverse abilities. Kori serves on the board of Free Horse Arts, reflecting Bill Withers' lifelong empathy and her own connection to restorative community initiatives. Her work honors the bond with nature that shaped her father's inner life.
The children's book is available at https://grandmashandsbook.com. Additionally, the BulLion Foundation, a nonprofit, multi-cultural global initiative, aims to provide underprivileged people, especially youth, with opportunities, resources, and supplies needed to create a healthy and stable lifestyle. Its mission is to improve quality of life through arts, music, sports, and other disciplines.
This convergence of art and service underscores why this story matters: it demonstrates how a simple song can evolve into a lasting legacy that touches multiple generations. The book and the family's charitable work highlight the importance of honoring grandparents not just on a designated day but through ongoing acts of love and community support. As families gather to celebrate National Grandparents Day, the Withers' efforts remind us that legacies are built both in personal moments and in how we uplift others.
