Influential political commentator and Northeast Georgia radio host, Martha Zoller, dies at 67

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Martha Zoller, one of Georgia’s most recognizable conservative political commentators and a longtime voice on North Georgia radio, died Monday morning following a sudden illness. She was 67.

Zoller passed away June 22 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, according to WDUN/Access North Georgia. She had recently announced plans to step away from her daily radio program, The Martha Zoller Show on WDUN Radio, citing ongoing health concerns. Her final scheduled broadcast was set for June 26.

‘A long-time fixture in Georgia politics’

Zoller spent decades as a political commentator and columnist. She had hosted The Martha Zoller Show on WDUN since 2019 and was a familiar voice on the Gainesville-based station from 1994 to 2009. She was also known statewide through appearances on Fox 5 Atlanta’s The Georgia Gang, her weekly podcast, and online analysis.

Gov. Brian Kemp remembered Zoller as a dedicated public servant and trusted voice in Georgia politics.

“Marty, the girls, and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and a long-time fixture in Georgia politics, Martha Zoller,” Kemp said. “Martha dedicated years of service to the people of our state, both in the early days of my administration and as a member of the State Board of Education and the Jekyll Island Foundation Board.”

Kemp also noted Zoller’s support for the military, including two trips to Iraq during the War on Terror.

“But she is best known for her years in media, especially The Martha Zoller Show, providing insight into the conservative political landscape of our state,” Kemp said. “Across Martha’s many accomplishments, her favorite roles were that of wife, mother, and grandmother. As we reflect on the impact of this beloved voice from Hall County, our prayers are with Lin, their four children, and their grandchildren.”

Georgia GOP gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson also offered his condolences.

“I am heartbroken to learn that Martha Zoller has passed away. Martha was a dear friend to me for many years and someone who deeply loved Georgia, its people, and her family,” Jackson said.

Beyond broadcasting, Zoller served on the Georgia State Board of Education representing Northeast Georgia’s 9th District and sought the Republican nomination for Georgia’s 9th Congressional District seat in 2012.

Colleagues left ‘stunned’ and ‘saddened’

Longtime WDUN host and Jacobs Media Corporation General Manager Bill Maine said he was shocked by the news of Zoller’s death.

“I’m stunned,” Maine said. “When I spoke with her before the show on Friday, she was full of energy and we were sharing some jokes.”

“More than a great broadcaster, she was a great friend,” he added.

Jacobs Media owner Jay Jacobs called her “one of the most consequential voices in the history of WDUN.”

“Martha Zoller was a light,” Jacobs said. “She was one of the most consequential voices in the history of WDUN and one of the most respected communicators our community has ever known.”

Memorial Park Funeral Home Riverside Chapel in Gainesville will handle funeral arrangements. WDUN said local pastor and former Hall County Board of Elections Chairman Dr. Tom Smiley will fill in for the remainder of the week while the station determines future plans for the program.