WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE- Former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards was released from his home confinement today.

Edwards signed the paperwork this morning, ending that portion of his sentence for a bribery and extortion conviction.

Edwards has been staying at his daughter's home in Livingston Parish and checking into the halfway house three times a week since January as part of the conditions for his release.

The charismatic and popular politician is embarking on a book tour in about a week. He's in talks for a reality TV show. He's making plans for a third wedding. And he's having an 84th birthday party in the French Quarter on July 30.

Edwards served eight years in prison for a bribery and extortion scheme to rig riverboat casino licenses.

He began home incarceration in January. He'll be on probation for three years.