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Obama Leads Song For Kennedy Birthday

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 9, 2009

President Barack Obama led a Kennedy Center crowd in a performance of "Happy Birthday" on Sunday night, capping a star-studded musical birthday tribute to ailing Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

The Massachusetts Democrat was honored at the Kennedy Center at an event hosted by comedian Bill Cosby. Actresses Lauren Bacall and Bernadette Peters, singer James Taylor and conductor John Williams were among those who performed.

Toward the end of the gala, Cosby introduced Obama to loud applause. The president strode to the center of the stage and conducted the performers in the birthday tune. Kennedy stood and delivered a thumbs-up from his balcony, where he was accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama.

The president later met Kennedy in his box as the performers sang "The Best Is Yet to Come."

Caroline Kennedy presented her uncle with her family's Profile in Courage Award, paying tribute to his efforts to reform the U.S. health care system. When reform becomes a reality, she said: "We will all have you to thank. ... We love you, Uncle Teddy."

The audience included Massachusetts' other senator, Democrat John Kerry, as well as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Joe Biden.

The 77-year-old Kennedy is battling brain cancer. He returned to Washington for a White House health care summit last week from Florida, where he has been continuing his treatment and physical rehabilitation.

Spears Visit Surprises Sick Children

Just hours before taking the stage in Miami on Saturday, pop singer Britney Spears made a surprise visit to a group of sick children at Miami Children's Hospital.

The 27-year-old Spears posed for photos with the children.

She's also donating $100,000 to the Big Apple Circus Clown Care program, which sends clowns to hospitals.

Spears' "Circus" tour, to support her hit album of the same name, kicked off last week before a nearly sold-out crowd in New Orleans. She performed in Tampa on Sunday night.

Today's Birthdays

Actress Joyce Van Patten is 75. Country singer Mickey Gilley is 73. Actress Trish Van Devere is 68. ABC anchorman Charles Gibson is 66. Singer Jeffrey Osborne is 61. Actress Linda Fiorentino is 49. Rapper C-Murder is 38. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 38. Actor Kerr Smith is 37. Rapper Chingy is 29. Actress Brittany Snow is 23. Rapper Bow Wow is 22.