National Grandparents Day on September 13, 2026, takes on added significance this year as the family of the late Bill Withers continues to honor his legacy through a children's book and a series of philanthropic initiatives. The book, based on Withers' beloved 1971 song 'Grandma's Hands,' was released in July 2023 and serves as a tribute to grandmothers everywhere, celebrating the love, wisdom, and strength they impart.
Originally featured on Withers' debut album 'Just as I Am,' 'Grandma's Hands' peaked at No. 18 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt portrayal of a grandmother's comforting presence and lasting influence. Now, thanks to the efforts of Withers' wife, Marcia, and daughter, Kori, that legacy has been reimagined as a 32-page children's book. Illustrated by multiple award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, the book brings the lyrics to life with vivid imagery that evokes warmth, memory, and unconditional love, tapping into the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
But the Withers family's commitment extends beyond the printed page. They have actively carried forward Bill's values of creativity, community, and service. 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 on his behalf 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. These efforts reflect a deep-seated belief in nurturing the next generation of artists and giving back to the community.
Kori Withers, a singer-songwriter in her own right, has been performing her father's songs at events that align with his compassionate spirit. Recently, she performed at a concert benefiting Free Horse Arts, a nonprofit offering equine-assisted programs for individuals with diverse abilities. Kori also serves on the board of Free Horse Arts, honoring the bond with nature that shaped her father's inner life. Her involvement underscores the family's dedication to causes that promote healing and inclusivity.
The children's book, available at https://grandmashandsbook.com, is more than just a keepsake; it is a testament to the power of story and song to bridge generations. By sharing 'Grandma's Hands' with young readers, the Withers family ensures that Bill's message of love and respect for elders continues to resonate. Moreover, the proceeds and attention generated by the book support the BulLion Foundation, a nonprofit, multi-cultural global initiative that provides underprivileged people, especially youth, with opportunities and resources to create healthy and stable lifestyles through arts, music, sports, and other disciplines.
As National Grandparents Day approaches, the Withers family's efforts remind us that legacy is not merely about remembering the past but about actively shaping the future. Through art, performance, and service, they exemplify how love endures and multiplies, one generation to the next.
