National Grandparents Day on September 13, 2026, takes on special meaning with the celebration of Bill Withers' cherished song 'Grandma's Hands' as a 32-page children's book. Released in July 2023 by his wife, Marcia Withers, and daughter, Kori Withers, the book transforms the heartfelt lyrics into a visual narrative that honors the universal bond between grandparents and grandchildren. This adaptation is more than a literary endeavor; it is a continuation of Bill Withers' legacy, blending art with service and community engagement.
Originally released in 1971 on Withers' debut album 'Just as I Am,' 'Grandma's Hands' resonated as an ode to his grandmother's comforting presence 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 by award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, the book brings those lyrics to life, evoking warmth, memory, and unconditional love. It celebrates the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers everywhere, making it a timeless tribute that transcends generations.
The significance of this book lies in its dual purpose: it is both a artistic achievement and a philanthropic tool. Marcia and Kori Withers have carried forward Bill's mission by fostering creativity, giving back to community, and nurturing future storytellers and songwriters through their charity works. For instance, they have established music education scholarships and support emerging songwriters with the annual Songwriters Hall of Fame's Bill Withers Scholarship. Marcia Withers also 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. These efforts underscore the family's commitment to causes that were close to Bill's heart.
Kori Withers, a singer-songwriter in her own right, has been performing 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. 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 performance and service reflect Bill Withers' lifelong empathy and Kori's own connection to restorative community initiatives. The book, available at https://grandmashandsbook.com, is a testament to how love endures through art and action.
Moreover, the BulLion Foundation, a nonprofit, multi-cultural global initiative, aligns with the Withers family's values. Its goal is to provide underprivileged people, especially the youth, with opportunities, resources, and supplies needed to create a healthy and stable lifestyle. By improving quality of life through arts, music, sports, and other disciplines, the foundation echoes the Withers' dedication to uplifting others. This connection highlights how the book is part of a broader movement to use art and service for social good.
As we celebrate Grandparents Day, 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 book is a tribute that goes beyond art, embodying the love, wisdom, and strength of grandmothers everywhere. It is a call to honor our elders and to carry forward their values through performance and service. In a world often divided, this initiative underscores the importance of inter-generational bonds and the power of art to inspire change.
