Angel Carter Conrad grew up in an iconic family synonymous with pop music. As the sister of Nick and Aaron Carter, her famous family’s story of success and struggle played out in the public eye, a story Angel is sharing in her new documentary on Paramount+, The Carters.
After losing her father and three siblings (including her twin brother Aaron) to substance abuse, Angel is a fierce advocate for children’s mental health, both to end her own family’s cycle of dysfunction as well as help others. Angel and her husband Corey are parents to 6-year-old Harper, co-chair The Kids Mental Health Foundation and speak frequently about this crucial topic.
We spoke to Angel about her powerful mission, being a mom, and more.
Congratulations on your new documentary. Can you please tell us a little bit about it?
I wanted to do this documentary because my family’s story, our struggles with mental health and addiction deserve to be told, not just as a tragedy, but as a source of hope and healing.
I’ve lost three siblings, including my twin brother Aaron, and I refuse to allow them to all die in vain. There’s power in sharing the truth, in breaking the stigma, and in showing that no matter how dark things get, there is always a choice to find meaning and create something good.
Aaron was not the person that he became in his addiction. He was my twin, my family, a person who had a heart and a story beyond his struggles. This film is about making sure people see who he really was, and more importantly, about using his platform to turn things around to help others before it’s too late. If we can create change, if we can reach even one person, then their lives meant something bigger than their pain. Fans can expect to finally hear the truth from us.
So powerful and thank you for sharing. What’s something that surprises people about you?
People might assume that because of my family’s last name, my life is anything but normal. But the truth is, I’m just a regular person, raising my daughter, appreciating my friends and the people in my life, and doing my best to navigate everything that’s happened. My focus isn’t on fame—it’s living with purpose, finding joy in the little things, and making the best out of every challenge life has thrown my way.
You, and your family, have had some really tough and tragic times. How are you breaking those generational cycles?
I’m breaking generational dysfunction by doing the work. Through therapy, self-awareness, and breaking the patterns that were passed down. Therapy helped me understand the cycles of trauma and dysfunction in my family, giving me the tools to heal and make different choices. Instead of repeating the past, I learned how to set boundaries, communicate in healthier ways, and approach life with a healthier mindset.
It’s not about forgetting where I come from, but about using that awareness to make better decisions moving forward.
What are some specific things you do as a family to talk about mental health and emotional awareness with your daughter Harper?
We’re making sure our daughter grows up in a safe, loving environment where open communication is the norm. Sitting at the dinner table at night, talking about our day, and connecting!
We teach her about emotions and mental health in a way that’s age appropriate but meaningful, so she knows her feelings are valid and she’s never alone in them. We teach her that kindness is key. It’s really about creating something better for our children and that means raising her with love, awareness, and tools to help allow her to make good decisions for herself.
Love that. Looking back on your journey through childhood, young adulthood, and into motherhood, what do you feel helped guide you along your own path?
What really helped guide me toward a healthier path was a combination of therapy, learning from those who are older and wiser than me, and having the openness to change. Therapy gave me the tools to understand my past, heal, and break unhealthy patterns. It’s also being willing to listen to people who were older and wiser than me. I think a big part of growth is being able to say, “I don’t know it all” and staying open to learning and evolving.
How are you, or will you, talk to Harper about drugs and alcohol?
I always use The Kids Mental Health Foundation for resources on how to navigate these types of conversations. Having ongoing age-appropriate conversations as our daughter starts to notice things more and more is key.
Right now, it’s simple, honest messages—like explaining smoking is not good for your lungs. I want her to be healthy, and as she grows, these conversations will naturally evolve. And the goal will always be to create open conversation.
What’s your relationship like with your brother Nick?
Nick and I are very close. I always say that if there’s one person who truly understands the pain and everything we went through as kids, it’s him. Sharing these experiences has created a bond that means so much to both of us, and we’re incredibly grateful to have each other. Our kids are also really close.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If you ever have a question or if your child is going through something, you can always turn to The Kids Mental Health Foundation for resources and support. You’re not alone and help is available.
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