Celebs react to Aaron Carter's death: 'He really was just trying to be happy'

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Celebs react to Aaron Carter's death: 'He really was just trying to be happy'
  • Aaron Carter was found dead in his California home on Saturday morning, Insider confirmed.
  • The musician, who began his career at 7 years old, was open about his mental health illnesses.
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On Sunday, Carter's older brother Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys paid tribute to his late brother on Instagram.

On Sunday, Carter's older brother Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys paid tribute to his late brother on Instagram.
Brothers Aaron Carter (left) and Nick Carter at the 2002 Wango Tango event.Annamaria DiSanto/Getty Images

In his caption, Nick alluded to him and Carter's "complicated relationship," and stressed that he will "miss his brother more than anyone will ever know."

"I have always held onto the hope, that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed. 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," Nick captioned the throwback photos he posted.

Carter's "Lizzie McGuire" costar and ex-girlfriend Hilary Duff took to Instagram to express her condolences to him and his family.

Carter's "Lizzie McGuire" costar and ex-girlfriend Hilary Duff took to Instagram to express her condolences to him and his family.
Aaron Carter and Hilary Duff attend "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" premiere after party in 2003.L. Cohen/Getty Images

Duff and Carter began dating when they were both 13-years-old. The two were linked in an on-again-off-again relationship until 2003, according to Us Weekly. "Boy did my teenage self love you deeply," Duff wrote in an Instagram post Saturday night.

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Musician Diane Warren tweeted in tribute to the late child star Saturday afternoon.

Musician Diane Warren tweeted in tribute to the late child star Saturday afternoon.
Diane Warren attends the ACLU SoCal's Annual Bill of Rights Dinner in October 2022.Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

"Fame at a young age is often more a curse than a blessing and Surviving it is not easy," Warren tweeted. In a 2019 episode of "The Doctors," Carter opened up about his mental health, including multiple personality disorder, schizophrenia, acute anxiety and manic depression.

"The Real" host Loni Love paid tribute to Carter with a heartfelt tweet, reminiscing on his 2018 appearance on the talk show.

"The Real" host Loni Love paid tribute to Carter with a heartfelt tweet, reminiscing on his 2018 appearance on the talk show.
Loni Love walks the red carpet at the "Black Adam" New York Premiere October 2022.Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Love tweeted "he really was just trying to be happy" Saturday. The two met when Carter was the guest on a February 2018 episode of "The Real."

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Reality star Spencer Pratt tweeted "RIP" to Carter Saturday, a day after the child star had tweeted a photo of the two of them.

Reality star Spencer Pratt tweeted "RIP" to Carter Saturday, a day after the child star had tweeted a photo of the two of them.
Spencer Pratt attends the October 2019 celebration for the 100th episode of "Marriage Boot Camp."Presley Ann/Getty Images

On Friday, Carter shared a TikTok of him and Pratt on Twitter. The following day, Pratt quotetweeted the post with "RIP" followed by a heart emoji and an angel emoji.

"One Tree Hill" star Tyler Hilton tweeted about the "heartbreaking news" Saturday afternoon.

"One Tree Hill" star Tyler Hilton tweeted about the "heartbreaking news" Saturday afternoon.
Actor Tyler Hilton attends the Build Series at Build Studio on November 19, 2019 in New York City.Jim Spellman/Getty Images

Hilton tweeted Saturday, "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."

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"Sabrina the Teenage Witch" star Melissa Joan Hart posted a throwback photo on Instagram to honor Carter.

"Sabrina the Teenage Witch" star Melissa Joan Hart posted a throwback photo on Instagram to honor Carter.
Actress Melissa Joan Hart visits Build Studio to discuss her new Netflix TV series "No Good Nick" in April 2019.Monica Schipper/Getty Images

The fellow teen star sent love to the family, friends, and fans of Carter via Instagram.

Boyband New Kids on the Block posted a touching tribute to Carter on their Twitter page.

Boyband New Kids on the Block posted a touching tribute to Carter on their Twitter page.
New Kids on the Block attends the 2021 American Music Awards in Los Angeles.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

"We are shocked and saddened about the sudden passing of Aaron Carter. Sending prayers to the Carter family," the band tweeted. The message was joined by a black and white photo of Carter.

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Musician Samantha Scarlette tweeted a heartbreaking message on Saturday to the late artist.

Musician Samantha Scarlette tweeted a heartbreaking message on Saturday to the late artist.
Samantha Scarlette attends 2020 New York Fashion Week.John Lamparski/Getty Images

"I am in tears right now hearing of your death. I just talked to you on Wednesday & you seemed in good spirits. You were such a sweet soul that never had a chance. I'm heartbroken that your son, who you wanted so much will never get to know you," Scarlette shared on Twitter.

Angel Carter, Carter's twin sister, paid tribute to her brother on Instagram late Saturday night.

Angel Carter, Carter's twin sister, paid tribute to her brother on Instagram late Saturday night.
Angel Carter (left) and her twin brother Aaron Carter attend the opening night of "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 2014.Vincent Sandoval/Getty Images

Angel wrote a touching message to her twin brother on Instagram, along with baby photos of the two of them. "I know you're at peace now. I will carry you with me until the day I die and get to see you again," Angel captioned her Instagram post.

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