National Grandparents Day on September 13, 2026, provides a moment to reflect on the enduring legacies passed down through generations. For the family of the late Bill Withers, that legacy is carried forward not only through his timeless music but also through a children's book and a commitment to service. The book, based on Withers' cherished song 'Grandma's Hands,' was released in July 2023 and serves as a tribute to grandmothers everywhere.
Originally released in 1971 on Withers' debut album 'Just as I Am,' 'Grandma's Hands' was an ode to his own grandmother, capturing her comforting presence and lasting influence. The single reached No. 18 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, a 32-page children's book adaptation, created by Withers' wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers, brings the song's lyrics to life with illustrations by award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie. The book celebrates the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers, offering a tender visual narrative of the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
But the Withers family's efforts extend beyond the page. 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. 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 herself, continues to perform 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. This combination of art and service reflects Bill Withers' lifelong empathy and the family's dedication to nurturing future storytellers and songwriters.
The children's book is more than a keepsake; it is a tribute that amplifies the universal themes of love and guidance found in 'Grandma's Hands.' By pairing the book with ongoing charitable work, the Withers family ensures that Bill's legacy is not just remembered but actively carried forward. As National Grandparents Day approaches, their story reminds us that legacy is built both in moments of personal love and in how we continue to uplift others.
For more information, visit https://grandmashandsbook.com.
