Beyond his musical achievements, Aaron Carter is remembered for his son, Prince. On November 5, 2022, the musician, recognized for albums like Aaron’s Party and LØVË, was discovered deceased at his residence in Lancaster, California, as confirmed by PEOPLE.
Carter, the younger sibling of Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter, gained prominence in 1997 with his debut album. He followed up with successful releases such as Aaron’s Party (Come Get It), Oh Aaron, and Another Earthquake!. In 2018, he transitioned into rap with his fifth studio album, LØVË, marking a remarkable 16-year gap since his last album.
Exploring Aaron Carter’s Impact: A Look into His Lasting Legacy and Connection to Prince.
While passing the challenges of fame, including legal challenges and battles with addiction and mental health, Carter embraced fatherhood when his on-and-off fiancée Melanie Martin gave birth to their son, Prince, in November 2021.
In a September 2024 interview with PEOPLE, Martin shared, “We’re doing good,” after confirming Prince’s paternity with a DNA test. “We’re lucky to have each other. He’s the best little boy, and he’s really smart.”
Details about Carter’s son and his reflections on fatherhood are noteworthy. Prince entered the world on November 22, 2021, following an emergency cesarean section after 13 hours of labor experienced by Martin.
In an emotional Instagram post, Carter expressed his joy, saying, “Emergency C Section after 13 hours of labor, but my fiancé is in great health, thank you, Lord, and the incredibly sweet, loving staff here.
Prince is precious. I love you, son. Your mommy loves you, as I drop tears on the phone. This is me cutting his umbilical cord. I’m so proud of you, hunny; you did it. I love you with all my heart, my beautiful blessings from God.”
Before Prince’s arrival in 2021, Carter and Martin had revealed a previous pregnancy in April 2020, which sadly ended in miscarriage by June. During the initial announcement, Carter expressed his enthusiasm for impending fatherhood to PEOPLE.
“This is what we both want,” he stated about his future with Martin. “We both were trying for it. I’m just focused on the future and being a dad. I want to be a good dad. Family is most important to me.” Prince is considered a “rainbow baby,” born after the couple experienced a miscarriage.
His birthday in November 2021 marked more than a year since the couple had disclosed in a June 2020 YouTube livestream that Martin had lost their first child two months after announcing the pregnancy.
“She suffered a miscarriage due to stress conditions,” Carter explained in the livestream. “We’re gonna give it some time, let her heal, and then we’re going to try again. We both want that.” The inspiration behind his name comes from the late pop icon Michael Jackson.
Carter named his son Prince Lyric Carter, a homage to Michael Jackson, famously dubbed the “Prince of Pop.” The two first connected when Carter was just 14, developing a bond after his performance of “I Want Candy” at Jackson’s anniversary celebration in Madison Square Garden.
After the controversial Leaving Neverland documentary, Carter publicly defended Jackson during Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars Family Edition. Shortly after Prince’s birth, Carter made headlines by announcing his separation from Martin for personal reasons.
Even in the middle of their breakup, the singer committed to prioritizing their son. “Mel and I appreciate the support and concern we have been shown,” Carter wrote. “We both will continue to make Prince our priority during this difficult time… please be respectful while we transition and pass this unfortunate situation. #HeartBroken.”
The couple’s tumultuous relationship saw them reconcile in December 2021 before separating again in February 2022, leaving their status ambiguous at the time of Carter’s passing.
In September 2022, Carter revealed to The Sun that he was attending an outpatient rehab program voluntarily to stabilize his relationship with Martin and regain custody of their son. He mentioned that Martin’s mother had received temporary custody due to concerns regarding domestic violence and drug use.
A month before his death, he also put his Lancaster home on the market, signaling his desire for a fresh start. On Twitter, he stated, “Selling my 2nd home. Real estate has been super good to me. Ready for a new chapter in my 3rd home, which I plan on staying to make a beautiful life for my family.”
