National Grandparents Day on September 13, 2026, takes on added significance with the celebration of Bill Withers' 'Grandma's Hands' as a children's book. Released in July 2023, the 32-page book was created by Withers' wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers, transforming the beloved song into a visual tribute to grandmothers everywhere. This publication is more than a keepsake; it represents a deliberate effort to carry forward Bill Withers' legacy of love, wisdom, and service.
The song 'Grandma's Hands' originally appeared on Withers' 1971 debut album 'Just as I Am.' It was a heartfelt ode to his grandmother, capturing her comforting presence, gentle correction, and lasting influence. The single reached 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 those lyrics to life, evoking warmth and unconditional love through rich visuals. It offers a tender narrative that taps into the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
But the Withers family's commitment extends far beyond the printed page. Marcia Withers serves on the board of the Stuttering Association of the Young (SAY), which honored Bill in 2007. In June 2025, she accepted an award for Bill from Generations United, a Washington DC-based organization advocating for inter-generational 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 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. She serves on its board, honoring the bond with nature that shaped her father's inner life. Her work reflects Bill Withers' lifelong empathy and her own connection to restorative community initiatives.
The book's official website, https://grandmashandsbook.com, provides further information. 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. Its mission is to improve quality of life through arts, music, sports, and other disciplines.
This convergence of art and service matters because it demonstrates how a simple song can evolve into a multi-generational movement. The children's book not only celebrates grandparents but also funds and draws attention to scholarships and community programs. It ensures that Bill Withers' values—creativity, empathy, and giving back—continue to inspire new generations. As families gather on National Grandparents Day, 'Grandma's Hands' serves as a reminder that legacy is built both in moments of personal love and in how we uplift others.
