Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hands" Transformed into Children's Book for National Grandparents Day

News fromCourierPR · 2 min read

FORT LEE, NJ, September 09, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- On National Grandparents Day, celebrated on September 13, 2026, a new children's book titled "Grandma's Hands" is bringing the legacy of the late singer-songwriter Bill Withers to a younger generation. The book, a collaboration between Withers’ wife, Marcia Withers, and their daughter, Kori Withers, aims to honor the enduring wisdom and strength of grandmothers.

"Grandma's Hands," originally released in 1971, became a beloved anthem for Withers, celebrating his grandmother's gentle care and wisdom. The song's impact was profound, reaching No. 18 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, the Withers family has transformed the song into a 32-page book, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, who has won multiple awards for his work.

The book not only captures the essence of the song but also serves as a tribute to the bond between grandmothers and their grandchildren. It conveys the sense of comfort, guidance, and love that "Grandma's Hands" encapsulates. By bringing the lyrics to life through vivid illustrations, the book provides a tender, visual narrative that resonates with a wide audience.

The Withers family's commitment to carrying forward Bill's values extends beyond the book. They have established music education scholarships and support emerging songwriters through 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), an organization that honors Bill's memory.

Kori Withers, a singer-songwriter in her own right, continues her father's legacy by performing his songs at various events. Recently, she performed at a concert benefiting Free Horse Arts, a nonprofit organization that offers equine-assisted programs for individuals with diverse abilities. This cause reflects Bill Withers' lifelong empathy and Kori's own connection to restorative community initiatives. Kori also serves on the board of Free Horse Arts, honoring the bond with nature that shaped her father's inner life.

The book, "Grandma's Hands," is available for purchase at Grandma's Hands Book. Withers Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization, aims to provide underprivileged people, especially youth, with the opportunities, resources, and supplies needed to create a healthy and stable lifestyle for themselves and their families. The foundation works to improve quality of life through arts, music, sports, and other disciplines.

Through "Grandma's Hands" and their ongoing community engagement, the Withers family continues to honor the memory of Bill Withers and his enduring legacy. The book serves not only as a tribute to his grandmother but also as a reminder of the love, wisdom, and strength that grandmothers bring to the world.

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