Shirlee Kenyon (played by Dolly Parton) is a single woman living in a small town in Arkansas. She works at a beauty salon and has a long-term boyfriend, but she feels unfulfilled with her life. One day, she decides to pack up and move to Chicago in search of something more.
Once in Chicago, Shirlee stumbles into a radio station looking for a job. She ends up accidentally hosting a live radio show for people with relationship problems, and her straightforward advice and Southern charm prove to be a hit with listeners. She is immediately offered a job as a permanent radio host, but under one condition: she must pose as a licensed therapist and call herself "Doctor Shirlee".
As Shirlee's popularity on the radio grows, she catches the attention of a local reporter named Jack Russell (played by James Woods). Jack is skeptical of Shirlee's qualifications and begins to investigate her background. Despite his suspicions, he finds himself attracted to Shirlee and starts to develop feelings for her.
As the story unfolds, Shirlee must navigate her new job as a radio host while trying to keep her true identity a secret from Jack and her listeners. She faces many challenges along the way, including a lawsuit from one of her listeners and pressure from her boss to continue pretending to be a licensed therapist.
In the end, Shirlee's honesty and integrity win out and she is able to come clean about her lack of credentials without losing her job or popularity. Jack also confesses his feelings for her and the two start a romantic relationship. The movie ends with Shirlee back in her hometown, now a successful radio host and in love with Jack.