Nick Carter’s sister, Bobbie Jean, was reportedly laid to rest Saturday in Florida during a private funeral.
Sources close to the family revealed to TMZ that Jean, who passed away last month at the age of 41, was buried “somewhere in the Tampa area” and that the funeral was only attended by close friends and family members.
While there is no confirmation that Bobbie Jean’s older brother Nick Carter, 43, was in attendance, it was confirmed that Jean’s mother, Jane Carter, gave the eulogy.
According to the source, the choice for Jean to be buried in their home state — despite her brother Aaron’s grave being in Los Angeles — was made to allow her mother to visit the grave site regularly.
Bobbie Jean, or “BJ” to her friends and family, was found unresponsive in a bathtub on Dec. 23, 2023.
Jean’s cause of death is still currently unknown though family members told People that they believe that she may have suffered cardiac arrest.
The “House of Carter” member is now the third of her siblings to pass away unexpectedly, following the death of her popstar brother Aaron Carter in 2022 and sister Leslie Carter in 2012.
“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,” a statement given to TMZ from Jane Carter read.
“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,” she said. “[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.”
“So, I would ask the sympathetic to say a prayer for my precious 8-year-old granddaughter Bella, who previously lost her father and is now also left without her mother,” the statement concluded.
Since then both of Jean’s siblings have come out with their own tributes.
“It may take a lifetime to fully process the loss my family had endured over the years — most recently, with the sudden passing of our sister Bobbie Jean,” Nick wrote on social media. “I am completely heartbroken.”
“Thank you for all your love and kind words. We are reminded again that life is precious, fleeting and to cherish the time we have with the ones we love.”
“I know she is finally at peace with God. I love you BJ,” he concluded.
Angel Carter Conrad, Jean’s sister, also penned an emotional tribute to her sister.
“To my older sister Bobbie. You had a great sense of humor and a lively spirit. Growing up, I was your baby, and you were my best friend,” Conrad, 36, shared on Instagram alongside several childhood photos. “Life wasn’t fair to you, that I know. Sometimes, it feels like you didn’t have a shot, no matter what.”
In the tribute, Conrad blamed substance abuse for her family’s tragedies over the years.
“Experiencing innocence instead of being burdened by trauma, pain, and suffering is incredibly important for children, particularly at such a young age,” Conrad continued. “I know why Leslie, Aaron, and now you ended up in the circumstances that you did. I share that pain we experienced during our childhood and I’m sorry you didn’t have an opportunity for a better life.”
Conrad stated that to prevent more tragedies, “We all need to break down barriers, reduce stigmas, and cultivate a society where seeking mental health support is met with understanding and encouragement.”
“This starts with our children, and creating healthy conversation within the home,” pleaded Conrad. “The generational dysfunction stops now. Please visit @onoursleevesofficial to learn more about how you can get involved, and how to be there for your loved ones.”
Jean also reportedly struggled with addiction for most of her life.
Recently, Bobbie Jean was arrested for allegedly attempting to steal $55 worth of merchandise from a Florida Hobby Lobby, as well as drug possession.
After being escorted to the back office for questioning, she reportedly grabbed her purse and “in a panic” tossed a powder-blue container — which later tested positive for fentanyl — under the manager’s desk.