As National Grandparents Day approaches on September 13, 2026, the family of legendary singer-songwriter Bill Withers is celebrating his enduring legacy through a children's book and a series of philanthropic efforts that embody his values. In July 2023, Withers' wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers, released a 32-page children's book based on his cherished song "Grandma's Hands." The book, illustrated by multiple award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, brings the song's lyrics to life, evoking warmth, memory, and unconditional love. It is a tribute that "celebrates the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers everywhere," according to the family.
Originally released in 1971 on Bill Withers' debut album "Just as I Am," "Grandma's Hands" was 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, through vivid illustrations, the song's message reaches a new generation, reinforcing the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
The Withers family's commitment to community extends beyond the book. 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 carrying forward her father's melodious and compassionate spirit. She recently performed his songs at a 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.
The Withers family's efforts are part of a broader mission to foster creativity and give back to the community. 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. For more information about the children's book, visit https://grandmashandsbook.com.
This news matters because it highlights how artistic legacies can be preserved and adapted for new audiences while also driving social impact. The children's book not only introduces Bill Withers' music to young readers but also reinforces the importance of intergenerational bonds. Moreover, the family's philanthropic work exemplifies how celebrities can use their platform for sustained community service, inspiring others to contribute to education, arts, and social welfare. As National Grandparents Day is celebrated, the Withers' story serves as a reminder that love and legacy endure through both personal memory and collective action.
