Friends, fans, and former collaborators are paying tribute to singer and actor Aaron Carter after he died on Saturday at age 34. Known for hits like “I Want Candy†and “That’s How I Beat Shaq,†Aaron grew up in the entertainment industry, releasing his first album in 1997 at age 9. That same year, he performed as an opening act for the Backstreet Boys, his older brother Nick’s band. In addition to guest-starring on shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and 7th Heaven, Aaron made a memorable appearance on Lizzie McGuire, sharing a kiss with his then-girlfriend Hilary Duff in a Christmas episode. But over the course of his career in the spotlight, the 2000s heartthrob faced challenges with his mental health and with substance abuse. In 2019, his brother Nick and sister Angel filed a restraining order against him, citing safety concerns and expressing hope that he would get “proper treatment.â€
“My heart is broken,†Nick wrote on Instagram following news of Aaron’s death. “Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded.†“My heart is completely broken over the passing of my fiancé Aaron,†said Melanie Martin to People. “I knew he was struggling, and I tried everything to help him. He has a very independent and strong personality, and I couldn’t help him in the way I felt he needed it.†The two first got together in 2020, became engaged that same year, and had their son, Prince Carter, in November 2021. “I only wish I had more people to help me with him,†she continued. “I will now be raising our son as a single mother and this is the worst day of my life, but I have to be strong for our son.†Finally: “I’m devastated.â€
The Backstreet Boys honored Aaron during their London show, with the band holding a grieving Nick. Duff also took to social media to remember the late singer, writing in a statement, “I’m deeply sorry that life was so hard for you and that you had to struggle in-front of the whole world. You had a charm that was absolutely effervescent … boy did my teenage self love you deeply.†Former Disney star Raven-Symone told Entertainment Tonight, in the wake of Aaron’s death, that the world needed to focus on mental health. “It’s a real thing, and we need to stop losing our youth to it,†she said. “Maybe one day people will get the hint.†Below, more tributes to Aaron’s life from Paris Hilton, Diane Warren, *NSYNC, New Kids on the Block, and others who knew him.
This post has been updated.