Nick Carter: Why didn't he attend his sister's funeral?

By: Lauren Moraski
Topics: Music

Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys performs on CBS' "The Early Show" Summer Concert Series at the on May 24, 2010, in New York.

(Credit: Getty)

(CBS) When Leslie Carter's funeral took place over the weekend, one person was noticeably absent: her brother, Backstreet Boy Nick Carter.

Leslie was laid to rest on Sunday in Mayville, N.Y. She was 25.

Shortly after Leslie's death, Nick announced he would continue his solo tour and dedicate it to his late sister. On the night of the funeral, he performed in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. Despite his work obligations, there were reports that Nick believed his family tried to keep him away from the services by not informing him about the arrangements.

"I wanted to be at my sister's funeral, but my family has always had a complicated dynamic," he said in a statement, according to E! News. "I want to thank everyone for all of their compassion and support that I have received during this most difficult time. There are so many emotions for me surrounding the loss of my sister. I am trying to stay healthy, positive and focused."

Leslie's other brother, Aaron Carter, attended the funeral, along with about 60 other mourners.

"The truth will reveal itself," Aaron tweeted. "I Love you Leslie soo very very very very very much!! virtually no words. You will always be my best friend."

There are no further details about what Nick meant by his family's "complicated dynamic."

CBSNews.com sat down with Aaron a week before his sister died to discuss his role in the off-Broadway show, "The Fantasticks." We asked him if he had a chance to see Nick's Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block tour, or whether Nick had come out to see him in "The Fantasticks."

"I haven't been out to see them, and they haven't been out to see me, but that's OK because we're both really busy right now," Aaron said. "I had one of my other 'brothers' -- surrogate brothers Joey Fatone -- came out to see me and that was really awesome ... Lance [Bass] is going to come to the show, and hopefully Nick will be able to come see it if he can get a chance with his busy schedule. I can't go anywhere right now. He knows that. I do eight shows a week with 'The Fantasticks.'"

Although an official cause of death has not been revealed yet, an initial police report suggests Leslie may have died of an overdose of prescription medication. A toxicology report is pending.

Watch our interview with Aaron Carter below:

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