Trigger warning: This article references substance abuse and mental illness.
Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter has paid tribute to his brother Aaron Carter, who passed away in November 2022, with a touching new song. The brothers both rose to fame as singers and pop icons in the late 1990s/early 2000s, but have had a strained relationship in recent years. Nick's new song "Loving You Hurts" details their difficult brotherhood, including his hope for Aaron to recover from his years of struggle with drug addiction and mental illness.
"Always hope your tomorrow/will be better than your past/I hope you can find your way/to a place where you're happy in the world," Nick sings in the song's bridge. “Cause it hurts to love you, but I still love you/Miss you with all my heart and you know I always will.”
Aaron was found dead at his home in Southern California on November 5 at the age of 34. Music industry sources tell TMZ Nick started working on the song shortly after the news broke. "Despite the complexity of their relationship... the song expresses Nick's unconditional love for Aaron and his heartbreak that his brother never seems to find peace in his life," the source told the outlet. An accompanying music video is also expected to be released soon, which will feature never-before-seen footage from Nick and Aaron's childhood.
Nick previously shared a written tribute to his brother on Instagram, mentioning their "complicated relationship" and his underlying love for him. "I will miss my brother more than anyone. I love you Chizzy. Now you can finally enjoy the peace you will never find on earth... God please take care of my little brother," he wrote at the time .
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Nick will perform the song for the first time at the Songs for Tomorrow charity event in honor of Aaron on January 18, which he co-hosts with Aaron's twin sister, Angel. The event will support children’s mental health organization On Our Sleeves. Nick previously paid tribute to his late brother while on tour with the Backstreet Boys in London.
If you or someone you know is seeking help for a mental health issue, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website or call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ( SAMHSA ) website or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). In an emergency, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or 911.
