WASHINGTON – The stars are coming out in Washington for a musical birthday salute to ailing Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

The Massachusetts Democrat will be honored Sunday night at the Kennedy Center at an event hosted by comedian Bill Cosby. Actresses Lauren Bacall and Bernadette Peters and conductor John Williams are among those expected to appear.

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.

Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor after he had a seizure last May.