National Grandparents Day on September 13, 2026, provides a moment to reflect on the enduring legacies passed down through song, story, and service. One such legacy is that of Bill Withers, the legendary singer-songwriter whose cherished song 'Grandma's Hands' has been reimagined as a 32-page children's book by his wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers. Originally released in July 2023, the book is more than a work of art; it is a tribute that celebrates the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers everywhere. As families gather to honor grandparents, the story of 'Grandma's Hands' reminds us that legacy is built both in moments of personal love and in how we continue to uplift others.
The song 'Grandma's Hands' first appeared in 1971 on Bill Withers' debut album, 'Just as I Am.' It resonated deeply as an ode to his grandmother—her comforting presence, gentle correction, and the lasting influence of her care. The single climbed to No. 18 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, through the children's book, that heartfelt tribute becomes a universal tale. Illustrated by multiple award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, the book brings the lyrics to life with rich visuals that evoke warmth, memory, and unconditional love. It is a tender, visual narrative that taps into the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
The Withers family has not only published the book but has also kept Bill's values alive through community engagement and music. 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. 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.
This combination of a book, a performance, and a scholarship demonstrates how love endures. The children's book is available at https://grandmashandsbook.com, and it stands as a testament to the power of legacy carried forward through both art and service. The BulLion Foundation, a nonprofit, multi-cultural global initiative, furthers this mission by providing underprivileged people, especially the youth, with the opportunities, resources, and supplies needed to create a healthy and stable lifestyle for themselves and their families. Its mission is to improve their quality of life through arts, music, sports, and other disciplines. As National Grandparents Day approaches, the Withers family's efforts show that honoring our elders means not only remembering their contributions but also continuing their work of uplifting others. Happy Grandparents Day everywhere!
