Britney Spears to fete Fat Tuesday in New Orleans

NEW YORK (AP) -- Britney Spears, a Louisiana native, will celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans later this month when the devastated city hopes to revive some of its old partying ways.

"I am honored to be a part of the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans this year," Spears said in a statement Monday. "It is so important for this amazing city to continue its annual traditions and I am really looking forward to being involved."

The 24-year-old pop star will appear on ABC's "Good Morning America" on February 28 (7 a.m EST), when the morning show reports live from New Orleans. ABC announced that Spears will bring "surprises for a group of very deserving young residents."

The Mardi Gras parade season will run from February 18-28; Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day, is February 28.

Spears grew up in Kentwood, and has participated in fundraisers for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The singer also will guest star April 13 on NBC's "Will & Grace."

Last week, photos were published of Spears driving with her 4-month-old son, Sean Preston, sitting on her lap instead of being strapped to a car seat in the back seat. She first blamed pursuits by the paparazzi, but later said it was a "mistake."

On Monday, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta chided Spears as "irresponsible" for driving with her baby son on her lap and announced a new initiative to improve child car seat safety.