As National Grandparents Day approaches on September 13, 2026, a children's book based on Bill Withers' beloved song 'Grandma's Hands' stands as a testament to how artistic legacy can transcend generations. Released in July 2023 by Withers' wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers, the 32-page picture book transforms the late singer-songwriter's heartfelt tribute into a visual narrative that celebrates the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
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 those lyrics to life, evoking warmth, memory, and unconditional love. It is more than a keepsake; it is a tribute that 'celebrates the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers everywhere.'
The significance of this publication extends beyond its pages. The Withers family has ensured that Bill's values of empathy and community uplift endure through concrete actions. In addition to establishing music education scholarships and supporting emerging songwriters with the annual Songwriters Hall of Fame's Bill Withers Scholarship, Marcia Withers 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. These efforts reflect a commitment to nurturing future storytellers and songwriters, demonstrating that legacy is built both in moments of personal love and in how we continue to uplift others.
Kori Withers, a singer-songwriter in her own right, has been carrying 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. Through performance and service, Kori embodies the same values that made 'Grandma's Hands' a timeless classic.
The book's release and the family's ongoing philanthropy highlight a broader truth: art can be a vehicle for social good. 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 to improve quality of life through arts, music, sports, and other disciplines aligns with the Withers family's dedication to fostering creativity and giving back.
For those seeking to explore this tribute, more information is available at https://grandmashandsbook.com. As families gather to celebrate grandparents, 'Grandma's Hands' serves as a reminder that love endures through song, story, and service—a legacy carried forward by those who cherish it.
