In a heartfelt interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, Angel Carter opened up about the profound loss of three of her siblings: Leslie, Bobbie Jean, and Aaron Carter. Reflecting on their lives and the circumstances that led to their untimely deaths, Angel shared her perspective on the underlying issues that plagued their family.
Leslie Carter died in 2012 at the age of 25, Aaron in 2022 at 34, and Bobbie Jean in 2023 at 41. Angel, who grew up with them and their older brother Nick Carter, believes that deep-seated familial issues contributed significantly to their tragic paths.
"There's certainly a generational dysfunction issue here that comes along with it," she said. "There was a lot of love but there was a lot of chaos going on at the same time. My parents were fighting all the time and just dysfunction in the home. And ya know, no boundaries, no stability, no one to talk to."
Angel emphasized that the instability and lack of proper guidance at home played a crucial role in shaping their lives. The Carter family's dynamics were further complicated by the sudden influx of money and fame. Nick’s success with the Backstreet Boys and Aaron’s solo singing career brought wealth but also significant pressure and a shift in family dynamics. "Money became the moving force of everything," Angel explained, noting that their parents were initially poor, and the newfound wealth changed everything.
The impact of fame and financial success had profound effects on Aaron, in particular. He struggled with addiction and mental health issues for years. Despite these struggles, Angel and Nick hope to honor Aaron's legacy through his music. An entire album by Aaron Carter, titled Recovery, was released on May 24, 2024. Part of the proceeds from this album will benefit The Kids Mental Health Foundation, formerly known as On Our Sleeves.
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"Children's mental health is so important, and we want to create a world where mental health is a vital part of every child's upbringing," Angel said. "Children need to have their innocence and Aaron did not. He was working like an adult from a very young age, and he just wanted to be home."
To view the whole interview with Angel Carter, click the video!