The death of Bill Withers prompted an outpouring of condolences on social media from musicians, actors, politicians and athletes, demonstrating the widespread reach of his music.

With songs such as “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” and the eternally gorgeous “Lovely Day” embedded in music history and pop culture, Withers’ legacy is intact.

Here is what some had to say in tribute:

About the Author

Keep Reading

Sergio Suárez at work in his studio. (Walter Bankson/Courtesy of Johnson Lowe Gallery)

Credit: Walter Bankson / Johnson Lowe Gallery

Featured

Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

Credit: NYT