Carter, who was struggling with an addiction, had said earlier this year that he had been sober for five years. He was the brother of Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter. The singer turned actor and rapper was known for his early 2000s hits “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)”, “I Want Candy” and “That’s How I Beat Shaq.”
He released his first solo album in Europe on December 1, 1997, six days before he turned 10 years old. The album sold 1 million copies worldwide, signaling his early rise to stardom.
Carter’s second album, released in 2000 and titled “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)”, was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, and the title song reached 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 list. He was also known for “I Want Candy” from that album and “I’m All About You” from his 2001 album, “Oh Aaron.” His 2001 single “That’s How I Beat Shaq” featured the titular NBA player in a video on a park blacktop track and featured young teens dancing along to the bubble gum pop hit.
He made several appearances on television, including on a season one episode of “Lizzie McGuire” in a Christmas-themed episode titled “Here Comes Aaron Carter.” In 2001, Carter made his Broadway debut in the cast of the musical ‘Seussical’.
Carter, one of five siblings, starred on the family’s 2006 reality TV show, “House of Carters.” The show followed the siblings as they moved in together and tried to solve their problems. It ended after one season of eight episodes.
In a statement Saturday, Paul said many people were unaware of how “tender-hearted” Carter was.
“He genuinely cared about others and the love he felt for those around him was immeasurable; so much so that we believe it’s safe to say it transcends timelines,” the statement said. “We can still feel his presence and warmth around us.”
Carter is survived by his brother, Nick, and sisters Angel Carter and Bobbie Jean Carter. He also has a son named Prince, the Los Angeles Times reported last month. His sister Leslie Carter died in 2012. His father, Robert Gene Carter, died in 2017.
“We are still in the process of accepting this unfortunate reality,” his fiancée, Melanie Martin, said in a statement to the Associated Press. “Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated.”
Adam Grandmaison, host of the podcast “No Jumper”, said in a tweet that he heard the news of the singer’s death from a close friend. Carter had appeared on the podcast at least three times, most recently on an episode published Wednesday.
“He was a good guy despite all the demons he fought,” Grandmaison wrote in a tweet. “I’m sorry to see him go.”
In 2013, Carter declared bankruptcy, the Tampa Bay Times reported, and a representative for the musician told the newspaper that a majority of his $2.2 million debt came from when he was a minor and had no control over his finances.
Carter has been open about his struggles with mental health and drug addiction for years.
He gave interviews to the talk show “The Doctors” about his dependence on prescription drugs and addiction to panting. In a 2019 interview on the show, Carter said he put himself on a “regime” to manage his job, cook his meals and set up his house to raise a family.
“So I can be strong,” he said in the interview about his plans. “I can say I’ve been through hell and back, and I’m back.”
In 2013, Carter was on his “After Party” tour, which he started after a years hiatus from music to rejuvenate his career and release new songs.
When asked what it was like performing in 2014 while trying to re-establish himself in the pop scene, Carter told The Washington Post: “People are losing their minds. It’s just cool to show them I’m still that guy. always am.”
Avi Selk contributed to this report.
