As National Grandparents Day approaches on September 13, 2026, the legacy of Bill Withers offers a poignant reminder of how love and service can transcend generations. Withers' beloved song 'Grandma's Hands' has been reimagined as a 32-page children's book by his wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers, released in July 2023. This book is not merely an adaptation; it is a tribute that celebrates the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers everywhere, bringing to life the comfort and guidance conveyed in the song's lyrics.
Originally released in 1971 on Withers' debut album 'Just as I Am,' 'Grandma's Hands' resonated deeply as an ode to his grandmother—her comforting presence, gentle correction, and lasting influence. The single climbed to No. 18 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, with illustrations by multiple award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, the book evokes warmth, memory, and unconditional love through rich visuals, creating a tender narrative that taps into the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
The significance of this publication extends beyond its artistic merit. It represents a continuation of Bill Withers' values, which are being carried forward through performance and service. Marcia and Kori Withers have not only published the book but have also actively engaged in community initiatives that reflect Bill's lifelong empathy. For instance, 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 inter-generational families. Additionally, the family has established music education scholarships and supports emerging songwriters through the annual Songwriters Hall of Fame's Bill Withers Scholarship.
Kori Withers, a singer-songwriter in her own right, has been performing her father's songs at events such as a recent 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 underscore how the Withers family is keeping Bill's melodious and compassionate spirit alive, ensuring that his legacy is one of both personal love and communal uplift.
For more information about the book, visit https://grandmashandsbook.com. 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 is to improve quality of life through arts, music, sports, and other disciplines. In a world where legacies are often measured by material wealth, the Withers family demonstrates that true legacy is built through love, creativity, and service to others—a lesson that resonates deeply on National Grandparents Day and every day.
