As National Grandparents Day approaches on September 13, 2026, the family of the late Bill Withers is celebrating his enduring legacy through a children's book and ongoing charitable efforts. Withers' beloved song 'Grandma's Hands' has been transformed into a 32-page children's book by his wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers. Originally released in 1971 on his debut album 'Just as I Am,' the song was a tribute to his grandmother and climbed to No. 18 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. The book, released in July 2023, brings the lyrics to life with illustrations by award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie. It celebrates the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers everywhere, offering a tender visual narrative that taps into the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Beyond the book, the Withers family has kept Bill's values alive through community engagement and music education. They have established music education scholarships and support emerging songwriters through 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, she accepted an award for Bill from Generations United, a Washington DC-based organization advocating for inter-generational families. Kori Withers, a singer-songwriter, has performed 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 also serves on its board, honoring the bond with nature that shaped her father's inner life.
This news matters because it underscores how artistic legacies can transcend generations and inspire social good. The children's book not only preserves Bill Withers' musical heritage but also reinforces the importance of family bonds and intergenerational connections. The Withers family's philanthropic work, from scholarships to community initiatives, demonstrates a commitment to nurturing future artists and giving back. For readers and fans, it offers a reminder that love and service can be carried forward in meaningful ways. The book is available at grandmashandsbook.com, and the BulLion Foundation, a nonprofit focused on providing opportunities for underprivileged youth through arts, music, and sports, reflects similar values. As Grandparents Day approaches, the Withers' efforts highlight how personal tributes can evolve into broader contributions to society, encouraging others to celebrate and support intergenerational relationships.
