’90s Celebrities Honor Aaron Carter With Heartbreaking Social Media Tributes

On November 5, musician Aaron Carter died at the age of 34 in his home in Lancaster, California.

First breaking out in the teen music scene in 1997, Aaron became famous for singing popular hits like “I Want Candy” and “That’s How I Beat Shaq.” He was also featured on a number of reality shows, including a season 9 stint on Dancing With the Stars and most recently Marriage Boot Camp: Family Edition. He is survived by his 11-month-old son Prince, who he welcomed with ex-fiancée Melanie Martin.

Taking to Instagram the day after the news broke, older brother and Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter shared a series of photos. “My heart is broken,” he wrote on November 6. “Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded. 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.”

He continued: “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 … God, please take care of my baby brother.”

During the Backstreet Boys’ November 6 concert in London, the boyband consoled their fellow member as Nick teared up during an onstage tribute. “Tonight we’ve got a little bit of heavy hearts as we lost one of our family members yesterday,” Keith Richardson mournfully told the audience. “We just wanted to find a moment in our show to recognize him … He’s a part of our family, and we thank you guys for all the love, for all your well wishes and all your support.”

In a series of tributes, celebrities whose fame catapulted roughly around the same time Aaron became a household name honored his life with their own heartfelt messages on social media.

A.J. McLean [on Nick’s Instagram post]:”Love you bro. Always here for you.”

Keith Richardson [on Nick’s Instagram post]: “🕊.”

Emma Bunton [on Nick’s Instagram post]: “I’m heartbroken for you and your family. Sending so much love. 💔.”

Hilary Duff (who reportedly dated Aaron from 2001 to 2004): “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. You had a charm that was absolutely effervescent … boy did my teenage self love you deeply.”

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.”

*NSYNC: “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.”

Melissa Joan Hart: “Sending love to the family and friends and fans of #AaronCarter. Rest in peace!”

Paris Hilton: “Sad to hear about the news of @aaroncarter 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.”

Christy Carlson Romano: “Incredibly sad about the passing of Aaron Carter. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.”

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.”

Tyler Hilton: “No…. This @aaroncarter news is heartbreaking… 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.”