Nick Carter Dedicates Tour to Sister's Memory as Aaron Takes Time From Broadway to Mourn Death

Actor temporarily takes leave of The Fantasticks in wake of Leslie Carter's sudden and so far unexplained death

By Gina Serpe Feb 01, 2012 7:08 PMTags
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The show must go on, but not with its current leading man.

Aaron Carter, currently starring in the off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks, will be temporarily leaving his performing duties to his understudy while he mourns the sudden and so far unexplained loss of his 25-year-old sister, former E! reality star Leslie Carter.

"Aaron is taking a few days off from the show," John Capo, the spokesperson for the production, tells E! News.

As for today's show, while Carter normally appears in the Wednesday matinee, the production does not hold Wednesday evening shows.

However, when the curtains part tomorrow, Carter will be understandably absent.

"His Fantasticks family loves him and offers him support and prayers during this difficult time," Capo said. "Aaron's understudy and friend, Matt Leisy, will be covering Aaron's role until his return. We thank everyone for the outpouring of concern for Aaron."

As for Nick Carter, he's got time before he has to resume his professional duties, and isn't scheduled to hit the road with the Backstreet Boys until later this spring. And when he does, he'll do so with an admirable purpose.

"Nick Carter is thankful to the many people and the fans who have shared their wishes and prayers during this tragic time," his publicist, Jack Ketsoyan, told E! News. "We want to let the fans know the tour will go on as promised."

"Performing is cathartic to me and I am dedicating the rest of my tour to my sister since she loved to watch me perform," Nick said.

Carter's rep asked again for the privacy of the family to be respected during this difficult time.