In the wake of Aaron Carter's death [1] on 5 Nov. at the age of 34, the singer's family, friends, and former costars and collaborators are paying their respects to the pop star. Carter was best known for his pop albums "Aaron Carter," released in 1997, and "Aaron's Party (Come and Get It)," which went triple platinum in 2000. As the younger brother of Backstreet Boys' member Nick Carter [2], the "Candy" singer began touring with the boy band when he was just 9. From there, his career went on to include guest appearances on show's like "Lizzie McGuire" and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," making him a household name among tweens in the early '00s.
After his fame at an early age, Carter went on to deal with substance abuse and mental health issues. These issues ultimately left him estranged from his brother Nick, who filed a restraining order [3] against his younger brother in 2019. Earlier this year, the 34-year-old checked himself into rehab in hopes of regaining custody of his almost 1-year-old son, Prince, whom he shared with Melanie Martin, according to his September interview with The Sun [4].
In his tribute to his little brother, Nick made note of the issues Carter faced as well as their estrangement. "Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded," he wrote in part on Instagram [5]. "I have always held on to the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed." Nick also paid tribute to his late brother with the Backstreet Boys during their London concert on 6 Nov.
Read on to see how Carter's family and friends are honouring his memory.
Nick Carter
"My heart is broken. Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded," Nick wrote on Instagram [7] alongside a collection of photos featuring him and his little brother. "I have always held on to the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed. Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss, but the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know. I love you Chizz. Now you can finally have the peace you could never find here on earth….I love you baby brother."
Backstreet Boys
During the band's London concert [8] on 6 Nov., the Backstreet Boys took a moment to remember Nick Carter's late brother. "Tonight we got a little bit of heavy hearts because we lost one of our family members yesterday," Kevin Richardson told the crowd. "We just wanted to find a moment in our show to recognise him. Nick's little brother, Aaron Carter, passed away yesterday at 34 years old."
The following day, the band shared a photo with Aaron on their Instagram.
Hilary Duff
"For Aaron– I'm deeply sorry that life was so hard for you and that you had to struggle in-front of the whole world," Duff wrote on Instagram [9]. "You had a charm that was absolutely effervescent…boy did my teenage self love you deeply. Sending love to your family at this time. Rest easy."
Angel Carter
Carter's twin sister, Angel, shared a selection of photos from their childhood with her followers on Instagram. "To my twin… I loved you beyond measure," she captioned her post [10]. "You will be missed dearly. My funny, sweet Aaron,I have so many memories of you and I, and I promise to cherish them. I know you're at peace now. I will carry you with me until the day I die and get to see you again. 💔"
*NSYNC
The band collectively tweeted [11], "We are saddened by the news of the sudden passing of Aaron Carter today. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Aaron #gonetosoon."
New Kids on the Block
"We are shocked and saddened about the sudden passing of Aaron Carter. Sending prayers to the Carter family. Rest in peace, Aaron ❤️," the New Kids on the Block tweeted from their official account [12].
Paris Hilton
"Sad to hear about the news of @aaroncarter😢," Hilton tweeted [13]. "He was always kind to my family and I. He had a good heart. Gone way too soon. 😔Sending my thoughts and condolences to his loved ones and family. RIP 🙏."
Melissa Joan Hart
"Sending love to the family and friends and fans of #AaronCarter. Rest In Peace!" Hart captioned a throwback photo of herself with Carter on Instagram [14].
Christy Carlson Romano
Romano tweeted [15], "Incredibly sad about the passing of Aaron Carter. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. 🕯️"
Tyler Hilton
"No…. This @aaroncarter news is heartbreaking…" Hilton tweeted [16]. "This kid had such a spark. Known him for years and always really liked him, he was warm and really funny. Loved putting on a show and he was good at it. Ill find some pics of us and post more later… damn RIP budddd #aaroncarter."
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi
The "Jersey Shore" star tweeted [17] simply, "RIP Aaron Carter 😞 🙏🏽."
Lou Diamond Phillips
"So very sad to hear about the untimely passing of #Aaroncarter. I did not know him well but in our short time together on RachaelVsGuy, I saw him as a sweet, good-hearted young man. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans. #RIPAaronCarter," Phillips tweeted [18].
Matt Knudsen
"I worked with Aaron Carter on 7th Heaven," Knudsen tweeted. "Although he was young and famous, he took the work very seriously and was nice to everyone. Prayers up for his family and loved ones. Damn. #RIPAaronCarter."
Jacob Underwood
O-Town member Underwood tweeted [19], "Rest In Peace @aaroncarter I'm sorry we couldn't help you in time. It was a pleasure to tour with that man and witness his talent night after night, and I hold the memories of our conversations close in mind. Praying for the Carter family. He was far too young."
Plastic Martyr
"RIP sweet boy," Martyr tweeted [20]. "You'll always hold a special place in my heart. I can't even believe this💔😭 You were one of the few people who never judged me & was always so supportive. My heart is broken hearing this news, I wish I had a chance to say goodbye. Rest In Peace Aaron."
Loni Love
"Met Aaron Carter in 2018, funny, talented and cool. I felt that he was trying....he really was just trying to be happy. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.. Condolences to his family and fans 💔," Love tweeted [21] alongside a photo of Carter on "The Real."
Diane Warren
Warren tweeted [22], "Fame at a young age is often more a curse than a blessing and Surviving it is not easy. RIP Aaron Carter🎤💔."
Joey Sasso
"Feel terrible about Aaron Carter passing away," "The Circle" star tweeted [23]. "He always seemed like such a tortured soul. He just had his son. Now a boy is without a father and this man passed on far to young. Just a terrible tragedy of a day. RIP Aaron."
Samantha Scarlette
"Rest in peace Aaron Carter," Scarlette tweeted [24]. "I am in tears right now hearing of your death. I just talked to you on Wednesday & you seemed in good spirits. You were such a sweet soul that never had a chance. I'm heartbroken that your son, who you wanted so much will never get to know you. 💔"