Bobbie Jean Carter and mother Jane Carter.Photo:Kristy Leibowitz/Getty; Presley Ann/Getty
Kristy Leibowitz/Getty; Presley Ann/Getty
Bobbie Jean Carter’s 8-year-old daughter Bella is in the care of an aunt after her mother’s sudden death.
Although a family source initially said Bella was in the care of her grandmother, another Carter family source tells PEOPLE exclusively that she is staying with her late father’s sister at this time.
Multiple sources previously told PEOPLE thesister of Nick and Aaron Carter diedon Saturday at 41, and that the family believes she went into cardiac arrest at home. (Further details of what led up to her death remain unclear.)
The family insider also adds that Bobbie Jean Carter will belaid to rest in her home state of Florida.
Aaron Carter, Bobbie Jean Carter, Nick Carter, Angel Carter and Leslie Carter in Los Angeles, CA, circa Aug 2006.Andre Csillag/Shutterstock
Andre Csillag/Shutterstock
On Saturday, Jane paid tribute to her late daughterin a statement to TMZ.
“I am in shock from learning of the sudden death of my daughter, Bobbie Jean, and I will need time to process the terrible reality of this happening for the third time,” said the matriarch, referring to the deaths of herson Aaron, who died at 34in November 2022, anddaughter Leslie, who diedin 2012.
“[H]owever deeply a parent feels the loss of a child, the suffering of a young child at the loss of a parent must be much greater,” added Jane. “So, I would ask the sympathetic to say a prayer for my precious eight-year-old granddaughter Bella, who previously lost her father and is now also left without her mother.”
“When I am able to think clearly, I’ll release a fuller statement, but until then, I would request to be left to grieve in private,” continued Jane.
(Top R-L) Singer Aaron Carter and Nick Carter, (Bottom R-L ) Bobbie Jean Carter, Leslie Carter and Angel Carter on September 29, 2006 in New York City.Kristy Leibowitz/Getty
Kristy Leibowitz/Getty
Before her death, Bobbie Jean led a mostly private life with her daughter Bella. According to TMZ, she worked as a wardrobe stylist and makeup artist for her younger brother Aaron’s tours during the early 2000s.
On Sunday morning, Bobbie Jean’s younger sister and Aaron’s twin sister,Angel Carter Conrad, shared an emotional tribute.
“I know why Leslie, Aaron, and now you ended up in the circumstances that you did," Conrad continued. “I share that pain we experienced during our childhood and I’m sorry you didn’t have an opportunity for a better life.”
“The generational dysfunction stops now,” Conrad wrote, directing her followers toOn Our Sleeves, an organization that offers free expert-created mental health resources to children. “I love you BJ, you’re free now.”
Bobbie Jean’s death marks thelatest tragedy for the Carter family, who have faced financial woes, divorce and addiction issues over the years.
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Melody Chiu
source: people.com