WASHINGTON — James Earl Jones, Katie Couric and Kelsey Grammer honored Abraham Lincoln on the eve of his 200th birthday in a star-studded gala last night celebrating the $25 million renovation of Ford's Theatre.

The theater where Lincoln was assassinated has reopened after an 18-month facelift that includes more comfortable seats and a modern lobby.

The evening included honoring Sidney Poitier and "Star Wars" director George Lucas with the Lincoln Medal. President Obama, who evoked Lincoln's legacy in his campaign, and his family were there.

CONCERT SEX CHARGES DROPPED

OAKLAND, Calif. — The district attorney's office has dropped felony sex charges against a Saving Abel guitarist and a band employee accused of forcing a 17-year-old girl to perform oral sex after a concert in Oakland.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys representing 33-year-old guitarist Jason Null and 21-year-old guitar stringer Brandon Danger say a video recording contradicts the girl's claims. The charges were dropped Tuesday.

WILL SMITH VOTED TOP MONEYMAKER

NEW YORK — Will Smith was voted the most bankable star in Hollywood in a Forbes.com survey.

The financial magazine's Web site gives the actor a score of 10 out of 10 for bankability in its first "star currency" list, compiled by surveying more than 150 industry professionals.

Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio all tied for second with a score of 9.89. Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson round out the top 10.

Smith's latest film, "Seven Pounds," received terrible reviews, but still earned $70 million at the U.S. box office.

'KISSING SANTA CLAUS' SINGER DIES

LOS ANGELES — Molly Bee, who became a country music star when she recorded the 1952 novelty hit "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," has died in California from complications after a stroke.

Bee died Saturday at a hospital in Oceanside at age 69, her manager said yesterday.

Bee was just 10 when she appeared on country star Rex Allen's radio show. Three years later, she released "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," and recorded other country hits in the 1950s.