Hilary Duff paid tribute to her late former boyfriend Aaron Carter during her recent concert in Philadelphia, honoring the singer more than three years after his tragic death.
During her Philadelphia stop on The Lucky Me tour on Sunday, August 9, 2026, Duff wore a white graphic T-shirt featuring a photograph of a young Carter. Fans captured the emotional tribute and shared images of the moment on social media.
Carter, best known for hits including “I Want Candy,” died at the age of 34 in November 2022. His death was later ruled accidental by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. According to the medical examiner, Carter drowned after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam.
Hilary Duff and Aaron Carter’s Relationship
Duff and Carter were among the most recognizable young stars of the early 2000s. Their relationship began when they were teenagers and continued from approximately 2001 to 2004.
Carter also appeared in a 2001 episode of Duff’s Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire, further connecting the two young entertainers during the height of their careers.
Following Carter’s death, Duff publicly expressed her sadness and remembered the relationship they shared during their teenage years.
In a tribute posted after his death, Duff reflected on the difficulties Carter experienced and expressed sympathy for his family. She also remembered his charm and personality, which had made him a memorable figure during their childhood years.
Duff Says She Still Talks About Carter
Duff has continued to speak about Carter in the years since his death.
During an April 2026 appearance on the Las Culturistas podcast, Duff discussed an experience involving a psychic whom she believed had connected her with Carter after his passing.
According to Duff, the psychic mentioned that someone named Aaron, with two As, was going to appear in her life. Duff immediately connected the name with her former childhood boyfriend.
Duff has also remained close to Carter’s twin sister, Angel Carter. She explained that their children attend the same school and that the two women continue to talk about Aaron.
Their continued friendship has provided Duff with another personal connection to the late singer and his memory.
Remembering Aaron Carter
Carter began his entertainment career as a child and became a major teen-pop star in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His music, television appearances, and connection to the Backstreet Boys through his brother Nick Carter helped establish him as one of the recognizable young performers of his generation.
His death at 34 shocked fans and fellow entertainers who had followed his career from childhood.
For Duff, Carter represented more than a former celebrity boyfriend. He was part of her adolescence and the early years of her career in entertainment.
Her decision to wear his image during her Philadelphia concert served as another public reminder that his memory continues to hold a place in her life.
Aaron Carter died in November 2022 at the age of 34. His legacy continues through his music, his fans, his family, and the memories shared by those who knew him personally.
His memory continues to live on among the people who loved him and the fans who grew up listening to his music.