Nick and Aaron Carter. Photo: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Friends, fans and former employees pay tribute to singer and actor Aaron Carter after he passed away on Saturday at the age of 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 the age of 9. That same year he opened 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 when he shared a kiss with then-girlfriend Hilary Duff in a Christmas episode. But throughout his career in the spotlight, the 2000s heartthrob has 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 he would be “treated appropriately.”
“My heart is broken,” Nick wrote on Instagram following the news of Aaron’s death. “Even though my brother and I had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never diminished.” The Backstreet Boys honored Aaron during their London show, with the band giving a mourning nick. Duff also took to social media to remember the late singer, writing in a statement: “I am deeply sorry that life has been so hard for you and you had to fight in front of the whole world. You had a charm that was absolutely effervescent… Boy, did my teenage self love you dearly.” Former Disney star Raven-Symone told Entertainment Tonight after Aaron’s death that the world needed to focus on mental health. “It’s a real thing and we have to stop wasting our youth on it,” she said. “Maybe one day people will take the hint.” Below are more tributes to Aaron’s life from Paris Hilton, Diane Warren, *NSYNC, New Kids on the Block and others who knew him.
The Backstreet Boys pay tribute to Aaron Carter at their show in London. pic.twitter.com/0MKzwwdOgq
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 7, 2022
Sad to hear the news @aaroncarter 😢 He was always nice to my family and me. He had a good heart. Gone way too soon. 😔Sending my thoughts and condolences to his loved ones and family. RIP 🙏
— ParisHilton (@ParisHilton) November 6, 2022
Fame at a young age is often more of a curse than a blessing and surviving it is not easy. RIP Aaron Carter🎤💔
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) November 5, 2022
No…. This @aaroncarter News is heartbreaking…this kid had such a spark. Known him for years and always liked him a lot, he was warm and really funny. Loved putting on a show and he was good at it. I’ll find some pics of us and post more later…damn RIP budddd #aaronkarter
— Tyler Hilton (@TylerHilton) November 5, 2022
We are saddened to learn of the sudden death of Aaron Carter today. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans at this difficult time. Rest in peace Aaron #gone too soon pic.twitter.com/4bZR8xStT8
— *NSYNC (@NSYNC) November 6, 2022
We are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Aaron Carter. Sending prayers to the Carter family. Rest in peace Aaron ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rDUcE4i8Iy
— New Kids on the Block (@NKOTB) November 5, 2022
rest in peace @aaroncarter I’m sorry we couldn’t help you in time. It has been a pleasure to tour with this man and experience his talent night after night and I cherish the memories of our conversations. Pray for the Carter family. He was way too young
— Jacob Underwood (@JacobUnderwood7) November 6, 2022
#Aaroncarter’s ex Lina Valentina posted a tribute to Aaron on her IG and shows him a different side. pic.twitter.com/B1BczsJtBG
— 💀 (@anonymous2020_) November 5, 2022
Incredibly saddened by the death of Aaron Carter. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. 🕯️
— ChristyCarlsonRomano (@ChristyRomano) November 5, 2022
Addiction is a hard road.
Rest In Peace Aaron Carter.
Gone too soon.💙 pic.twitter.com/Wq3n584gVS— Bruno Amato (@BrunoAmato_1) November 5, 2022
RIP Aaron Carter 😞 🙏🏽
— Nicole Polizzi (@snooki) November 5, 2022
Aaron Carter was one of the first friends I made in LA. He has been so supportive throughout my transition and has always been a true friend. He introduced me to my first acting coach and helped me in more ways than I think he realized. I’ll miss you. I wish I could hug you one last time. REST IN PEACE pic.twitter.com/cw1Z03KlwI
— Plastic Martyr (@plasticmartyr) November 5, 2022
Aaron Carter’s news is so sad 😞
I went with my sister to her birthday to meet him when I was 9 or 10.
He was very nice..
May he rest in peace 🕊️
— AlecBenjamin (@AlecBenjamin) November 5, 2022
I worked with Aaron Carter on 7th Heaven. Despite being young and famous, he took his work very seriously and was nice to everyone.
Prayers for his family and loved ones. Damned. #RIPAaronCarter
– Matt Knudsen (@mattknudsen) November 5, 2022
My heart goes out to the family, friends and fans of Aaron Carter.
On the guys in 15F. I will never forget the day that I met you. And I will always appreciate the fact that those words meant something to you. https://t.co/NAn1HGdbod
— Jamie Tworkowski (@jamietworkowski) November 5, 2022
RIP Aaron Carter. Interviewed him a few years ago. He told me at the time, “Embrace love and kindness and support people, but at the same time understand with love… comes hate… pic.twitter.com/V2sayo9ZdJ
— BreatheHeavy (@breatheheavycom) November 5, 2022
Met Aaron Carter in 2018, funny, talented and cool. I felt like he was trying… he was really just trying to be happy. I’m sorry to hear about his death. Condolences to his family and fans 💔 pic.twitter.com/XuoJLekj8h
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) November 5, 2022
This post has been updated.