National Grandparents Day on September 13, 2026, provides a timely backdrop for recognizing how legacies can transcend generations. The beloved Bill Withers song 'Grandma's Hands' has been reimagined as a 32-page children's book by his wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers, first released in July 2023. This adaptation is more than a retelling; it is a tribute that celebrates the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers everywhere, ensuring that Withers' intimate homage reaches new audiences.
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 brings the lyrics to life, evoking warmth, memory, and unconditional love through rich visuals. It taps into the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren, making it a tender, visual narrative for families.
But the Withers family's efforts extend far beyond publishing. They have kept Bill's values alive through community engagement, music education, and philanthropy. 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 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, carries forward 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—a cause reflecting Bill Withers' lifelong empathy and Kori's own connection to restorative community initiatives. 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.
The significance of this announcement lies in its demonstration of how art and service can intertwine to preserve a legacy. The children's book is not merely a product; it is a vehicle for transmitting values of love, wisdom, and strength. It also serves as a reminder that Bill Withers' influence persists not only through his music but through the actions of his family, who continue to uplift others. As National Grandparents Day approaches, the story of 'Grandma's Hands' encourages reflection on the roles grandparents play and how their legacies can be carried forward through performance and service.
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.
