Nick Carter takes time off to grieve

Nick Carter is taking time off from his tour to grieve for his late sister.

Nick Carter is taking time off from his tour to mourn his late sister.

The Backstreet Boys singer - whose 25-year-old sibling Leslie died after a suspected overdose of prescription drugs two weeks ago - has cancelled all remaining commitments, despite previously vowing to complete the solo tour.

It is believed after his performance in Columbus, Ohio, tonight (13.02.12), the 31-year-old star will scrap all public appearances for the next two weeks to grieve for Leslie, TMZ reports.

Nick was noticeably absent at his sister's funeral in New York last week, and he admitted he had made the decision to stay away due to the "complicated dynamic" of his family.

He said at the time: "I wanted to be at my sister's funeral, but my family has always had a complicated dynamic.

"There are so many emotions for me surrounding the loss of my sister. I am trying to stay healthy, positive and focused."

Meanwhile, Nick's younger brother, 'Crush On You' hitmaker Aaron Carter, recently took to twitter to express his shock at the loss of his sister.

He wrote: "I Love you Leslie soo very very very very very much!! virtually no words. You will always be my best friend.

"My heart is completely broken. (sic)"

According to a police report, Leslie - who left behind a 10-month-old daughter Allysa Jane and husband, Mike Ashton - endured a long battle with mental illness and depression before overdosing on prescription drugs.