Former Governor Zell Miller retires from public life, undergoing treatment for Parkinson's

Former Georgia Governor and former U.S. Senator Zell Miller has officially retired from public life and is undergoing treatment for Parkinson's disease, according to the Miller Institute.

To continue his legacy, The Miller Institute is launching a leadership program for young professionals in Georgia.

"My grandfather devoted his entire life to serving the people of Georgia and bringing progress to the state he loves," said Bryan Miller, the chairman, and CEO of the Miller Institute. "We want to continue that legacy of service through the Miller Institute, and are excited about the creation of the Miller Leadership Academy which will prepare young professionals for successful careers in public service."

The Miller Leadership Academy will begin in Athens in January 2018 with a leadership summit, followed by four more summits in Macon, Augusta, Columbus, and Savannah throughout the year.

"We also want other families with loved ones suffering from Parkinson's to know they are not alone," said Zell's wife of 63 years, Shirley. "We understand the daily challenges that are associated with a disease that has no cure. In times like these, we lean on our faith and believe that there is no challenge too great that we cannot overcome with God's grace."

The Miller Institute is already accepting applications.