Nick Carter, Hilary Duff and More Remember Aaron Carter

Friends, fans and former collaborators are paying tribute to singer and actor Aaron Carter following his death 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. , released his first album in 1997 at the age of 9. That same year, he performed as the opening act for the Backstreet Boys, his older brother Nick’s band. In addition to starring in shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and 7th SkyAaron made a memorable appearance on Lizzie McGuire, sharing a kiss with his then-girlfriend, Hilary Duff, in a Christmas episode. But during her career in the spotlight, the 2000s idol has struggled with mental health and addiction issues. In 2019, his brother Nick and sister Angel filed a restraining order against him, citing safety concerns and expressing hope that he would receive “appropriate treatment”.

“My heart is broken,” Nick wrote on Instagram following news of Aaron’s death. “Even though my brother and I had a complicated relationship, my love for him never faded.” The Backstreet Boys paid tribute to Aaron during their show in London, with the band holding a grieving Nick. Duff also took to social media to remember the late singer, writing in a statement, “I am deeply sorry that life was so difficult 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 said entertainment tonight, in the wake of Aaron’s death, that the world needed to focus on mental health. “It’s a reality, and we have to stop wasting our youth because of it,” she said. “Maybe one day people will get 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.

This post has been updated.